US Army Garrison Japan welcomes ninth commander during emotional ceremony
US Army Garrison Japan welcomes ninth commander during emotional ceremony
CAMP ZAMA, Japan — Command of U.S. Army Garrison Japan has passed to an experienced civil affairs and command staff officer.
Col. Thomas Matelski, a native of Racine, Wisc., took over from Col. Phillip Gage on Wednesday during a ceremony at Camp Zama, not far from Tokyo in Kanagawa prefecture. In his previous assignment, Matelski directed the Commander’s Action Group for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii.
He said he looks forward to being back in command. He last commanded the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) before a string of staff positions.
Holding back tears, Gage thanked his staff for their hard work and support during his two-year tenure.
Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/1.590612
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