NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan – Capt. Paul A. Hockran assumed command of U.S. Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa from Capt. Brian K. Pummill during a change of command ceremony here, June 18, 2021.

During the ceremony, Pummill, who had commanded NAF Misawa since June 29, 2017, took the opportunity to thank his Sailors for their effort over the past four years.

“The success of this installation is a result of their dedication to our mission of providing unparalleled aviation and logistic support and services to all permanent and transient Navy and Marine Corps units operating in Northern Japan,” said Pummill, who has piloted more than 5,750 flight hours so far in his career. “I cannot thank them enough for the professional manner in which they perform their jobs every day, both on and off duty.”

During his time in Misawa, Pummill successfully led NAF Misawa through several challenges, one of which has affected the entire world, the global pandemic known as COVID-19. His steadfast determination in guaranteeing the wellbeing of all personnel under his purview will forever change the way Commanding Officers are trained.

“I’m quite certain that in Pummill’s training to be an installation CO, there wasn’t a module on how to navigate a global pandemic,” said Rear Adm. Brian P. Fort, Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) and Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ). “I suspect there will be for future generations of Commanding Officers, but we’re still writing that lesson plan and Pummill and his team are actually major contributors.”

As Fort closed out his speech, he also had a few words of encouragement for Hockran.

“Command is the most awesome responsibility in the Navy, and I know you are ready for it.” said Fort. “Because, trust me, it will go by way too fast.”

Pummill will next report to U.S Fleet Forces Command where he will continue leading through exceptional example.

Originally from Andover, Ohio, Hockran brings 26 years of Navy experience with him since graduating from the United States Naval Academy in May 1995 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His operational assignments include a junior officer tour with the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, a dis-associated sea tour as the operations administration officer and Officer of the Deck (underway) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), operations officer with the “Fighting Tigers” of VP-8, command of the Peregrines of Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11, and as Navigator and Command Duty Officer (Underway) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

His deployments were in support of Operations Deliberate Forge, Allied Force, Noble Anvil, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.

Hockran said he’s very grateful to once again be stationed in Japan.

“I look forward to continuing the great cooperation, integration, and friendship with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the city of Misawa,” said Hockran. “We share a common understanding of the true value of peace and security in the region, and friendship.”

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Photo Caption: Capt. Paul A. Hockran, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, exits through sideboys during a change of command ceremony. Hockran relieved Capt. Brian K. Pummill, who served a successful four-year tour, during the ceremony held on June 18. NAF Misawa provides aviation and ground logistic support and services to all permanent and transient U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps forces in Northern Japan.