Embassy representative makes first trip to Misawa

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  After enjoying what he described as a world-wind tour, the deputy chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Tokyo said his first visit to Misawa was definitely a favorable one.

"The bilateral relationship between American Forces and the Japanese deserve the lion's share of the credit for maintaining peace in the Pacific region," said Mr. Joseph Donovan during an interview with the American Forces Network Nov. 2.

The deputy chief made his trip to northern Japan to meet with government officials and while in the region took a moment to visit Pacific Air Forces premier installation.

Mr. Donovan said that it is the dedication, sacrifice and contributions that the servicemembers at Misawa make to ensure the security of the region.

"The bases we have here in Japan make a serious contribution to the security of Japan," he added. "I want to extend a 'thank you' for the hard work and sacrifice. You (servicemembers) are doing a tremendous job."

Mr. Donovan said although he hails from New York, he has spent most of his career serving outside of the United States.

"What I like most about my career outside the United States is representing my country overseas," the deputy said.

Prior to his current career, Mr. Donovan served as the Director for the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs.

From first-hand knowledge of the region, the deputy said that he knows how important Misawa's role is to maintaining security and stability in the pacific.

"The biggest threat right now is ballistic missiles," said Mr. Donovan. "What you're doing makes a real difference. We (U.S. Forces) have an unprecedented degree of cooperation (from Japan) in ballistic missile defense."

During his tour here, Mr. Donovan had a chance to see up close the hard work of many Airmen as they went about their duties.

"I want to say thank you," Mr. Donovan said. "What you are doing makes a real difference. And that is particularly true when you consider the threat of ballistic missiles from North Korea."