Rice takes command of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force

Published Feb. 26, 2008
By USFJ Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Lt. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. assumed command of U.S. Forces, Japan and Fifth Air Force Feb. 25 during a Change of Command ceremony at Yokota Air Base.

General Rice, the former Vice Commander, Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, replaced Lt Gen. Bruce A. Wright, who retired.

Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command and Gen. Carrol H. (Howie) Chandler, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, were present to officiate at the ceremony.

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Wright spoke about the contributions of those who attended the ceremony in strengthening the U.S. - Japan alliance.

"You and all those you represent have accomplished much in the past three years," said General Wright. "You have substantially enhanced the interoperability of our two militaries, and you are very successfully updating the roles, missions, and capabilities of both militaries in the way we plan, train and execute as increasingly-capable, mutually supportive, operational partners.

Lt. Gen. Rice credited Lt. Gen. Wright for his work in the Security Consultative Committee's Roadmap for Alignment Implementation.

"A large measure of the credit for that progress rightfully goes to Lt. Gen. Wright for his stewardship of USFJ and 5th Air Force over the last three years," General Rice said. "He was the right leader, at the right time and his contributions to the alliance will surely stand the test of time."