Kadena welcomes new 18th Wing commander

by Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins
18th Wing Public Affairs

5/13/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  -- Brig. Gen. James B. Hecker assumed command of the 18th Wing during a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 13.

Lt. Gen. Salvatore Angelella, U.S. Forces, Japan, and 5th Air Force commander, presided over the event held inside Kadena's Airborne Warning and Control System hangar where Airmen, Soldiers, sailors, Marines, distinguished guests and members of the Okinawan community attended the ceremony.

"It's great to be back at Kadena for this momentous occasion," Angelella said. "I'm absolutely honored to be here to bid a fond farewell to Brig. Gen. 'Zap' Molloy and welcome Brig. Gen. 'Scorch' Hecker back to the Keystone of the Pacific."

"After more than a decade of war in Southwest Asia the United States security strategy has refocused and rebalanced to the Pacific," Angelella continued. "I can proudly say 'Zap' successfully postured the wing to transition to America's Pacific sentry. I know our Team Kadena is sad to see 'Zap' and his family leave Japan; however I'm confident the Air Force has selected an outstanding new Airman warrior to fill 'Zap's' shoes."

Hecker is taking over the position from Brig. Gen. Matt H. Molloy, who was selected as the deputy director of operations, Headquarters, U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Molloy served as commander here from June 2011 to May 2013.

"Two years ago when I took command of the wing I used two words to describe my feelings that day, blessed and grateful. Today I can't think of two finer words as I close out command," Molloy said. "I have been blessed by the Lord for this command opportunity and so very grateful to do that alongside and shoulder-to-shoulder with the Shogun Warriors."

After the tradition of passing the guidon, which dates back to the 18th century, Hecker addressed his new family, Team Kadena.

When it comes to working with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force, Hecker said, "We need to make sure that we are not just coordinating (our forces). We need to be integrated everyday and make sure we (can) bring combat airpower (together) should we need it."

"We are on the tip of the spear here," Hecker continued. "There are heightened tensions here in the Asia-Pacific region and we need to be ready. My charge to you is simple: you need to have tactical excellence in your wartime mission, and at all times of every day be ready to go should we need to."

Hecker most recently served as the commander of the 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and is a command pilot with more than 3,200 hours in the F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor.

He also served as a weapons officer for the 44th Fighter Squadron here from July 1996 to August 1998 and was the director of operations, operations directorate, U.S. Forces Japan at Yokota Air Base, Japan from July 2009 to June 2011 were he was responsible for coordinating both civilian and military disaster relief and humanitarian assistance during Operation Tomodachi.

Hecker said he looks forward to growing a better personal and professional relationship with the Japanese community leaders to bring the 18th Wing and the Japanese community together as a team.

During his remarks, Hecker expressed his love for the Japanese culture and the politeness of the people and looks forward to working with Team Kadena again.

"It's great to be back in Japan," He said.