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# U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) Assumption of Command Ceremony

By ADM Harry HarrisU.S. Pacific Command

**Adm. Harry HarrisCommander, U.S. Pacific CommandU.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) Assumption of Command CeremonyYokota Air Base, Japan**October 6, 2016*As Delivered*

 Ladies and gentlemen, it’s truly my pleasure and honor to welcome Jerry and Kim Martinez to beautiful Japan -- especially on such an important occasion. I know Kim’s not with us, but will be here soon.Jerry, I'm confident that you will make the most of this opportunity to lead our Joint Force and deepen our nation’s alliance with Japan. And since you and Shags are proud graduates of the Air Force Academy, I appreciate you both not mentioning the football game last Saturday in Colorado Springs.Folks, I’m mindful of the two types of speakers one might encounter at a ceremony like this – those who never stop to think, and those who never think to stop. I’ll do my best not to be either.Let me begin by saying again how honored I am to be part of this ceremony welcoming a great Airman and leader – Lieutenant General Jerry Martinez – to the important task of commanding all U.S. Forces in Japan, as well as the mighty and legendary 5th Air Force.We now live in a world where we must think, learn, and fight jointly – and rightfully so. As I look out at the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen of USFJ, it’s important to highlight the degree to which our military has evolved into the most powerful joint fighting force the world has ever seen.But make no mistake about it – today is an Air Force day. Today, we go back to Service roots and take special note of what lies at the very heart of the Airman’s profession – the exercise of command and the execution of air power.This ceremony represents the continuing recognition, indeed celebration, of who we are and what we value as military leaders – the absolute nature of accountability and the art of leadership.Mark Twain once said, ‘Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.’ Today, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to speak about three such good examples – Soak Dolan, Chuck Chiarotti, and Jerry Martinez.Even though Lieutenant General Dolan departed the pattern a few months ago, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight just a few of the remarkable accomplishments that occurred on his watch. His leadership while he and Nancy were in Japan was spectacular.A true statesmen, Soak ensured that our alliance with Japan remained strong. He worked tirelessly with the Japanese government and Ambassador Kennedy to improve the effectiveness of our Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Most notably, he directed negotiations that established meaningful bilateral planning and alliance coordination mechanisms. This important step to operationalize the new Defense Guidelines formalized previous ad hoc arrangements and allowed the alliance coordination mechanism to be used during regional crises.And make no mistake about it, these procedures are not paper tigers – they’ve been tested by North Korea’s recent provocative actions. Our alliance resolve remains rock solid.Soak also led negotiations over the high-profile plan to realign some of the U.S. bases in Okinawa. This negotiation resulted in a bilateral agreement to both accelerate the return of U.S. military land to the government of Japan and maintain our critical ability to train our forces on Okinawa. On a deeper level, the Okinawa realignment demonstrates the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and our capacity for cooperation and compromise.Soak left Japan in August well-prepared to become the Director of Operations on our Joint Staff in the Pentagon -- I can think of no better fit for such an important job.Lucky for us, Major General Chuck Chiarotti had recently come aboard as the new Deputy Commander, and he stepped up to fill the gap when Soak was called to D.C. – which shouldn't come as a surprise because Marines are always ready to step into the breech and answer the call to lead. But this is especially true of Chuck.I knew I could count on him. Under his outstanding leadership, U.S. Forces Japan didn't miss a beat. Thanks Chuck – you made us all proud. I’m pleased that you’ll continue your fine work as the Deputy Commander here.As I alluded to earlier, our Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security with Japan is critical to the overall U.S. engagement in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Forces Japan derives its mission from this treaty and the resulting presence of over 50,000 U.S. troops stationed throughout Japan.The commander must continuously evaluate the regional security environment and work with the Japanese government and other U.S. agencies. This is no easy task.

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