319th RW command team continues GSU tour with trip to Yokota AB, Japan

Airmen from the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron pose for a photo with the 319th Reconnaissance Wing command team July 31, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 319th Reconnaissance Wing command team visited Yokota AB to recognize several airmen for outstanding performance, tour the 4th RS facilities and speak with members of the 4th RS. The 4th RS, based at Anderson Air Base, Guam, is a geographically separated unit of the 319th RW, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, that spends several months each year at Yokota AB to avoid adverse weather conditions common during Guam’s typhoon season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Roxanne A. Belovarac)

319th RW command team continues GSU tour with trip to Yokota AB, Japan

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justin Porrazza, 4th Reconnaissance Squadron support technician, receives a coin from U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Curry, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander, July 31, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 319th Reconnaissance Wing command team visited Yokota AB to recognize several airmen for outstanding performance, tour the 4th RS facilities and speak with members of the 4th RS. The 4th RS, based at Anderson Air Base, Guam, is a geographically separated unit of the 319th RW, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, that spends several months each year at Yokota AB to avoid adverse weather conditions common during Guam’s typhoon season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Roxanne A. Belovarac)

319th RW command team continues GSU tour with trip to Yokota AB, Japan

U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Curry (right), the 319th Reconnaissance Wing Commander, speaks with airmen from the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron as he tours the 4th RS’s facilities July 31, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 319th Reconnaissance Wing command team visited Yokota AB to recognize several airmen for outstanding performance, tour the 4th RS facilities and speak with members of the 4th RS. The 4 RS, based at Anderson Air Base, Guam, is a geographically separated unit of the 319th RW, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, that spends several months each year at Yokota AB to avoid adverse weather conditions common during Guam’s typhoon season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Roxanne A. Belovarac)

319th RW command team continues GSU tour with trip to Yokota AB, Japan

Published Aug. 9, 2022
By 1st Lt. Brandon Shapiro
319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

The 319th Reconnaissance Wing’s command team continued their geographically separated unit tour 31 July through 5 August with a visit to Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Guiding the trip was Wing Commander Col. Timothy Curry’s strategic and persistent emphasis to highlight 319th RW Airmen, the wing’s missions, and preparing for the future.

Currently operating out of Yokota is the 319th RW’s 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, which launches, recovers, and maintains the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region. At any given time, there are approximately 80 Airmen, and their families, attached to the 4th RS.

“It goes without saying that the success of our reconnaissance mission rests in the hands of each one of you,” Curry said to a group of 4th RS Airmen. “We know that there are many challenges, both operationally and personally that you face because of where we operate. Chief (Wlodarczyk) and I want to make sure we address those challenges.”

In speaking with the men and women from the 4th RS, Curry noted that most concerns were centered on access to military services, aging of the fleet, accommodations, and the future of the RQ-4 Block 40. Additional concerns stemmed from the 4th RS’s yearly operational shift from Guam to Japan to avoid severe weather.

“We hear your concerns and will do everything we can to make sure you and your families are taken care of,” Curry said. “Whether that’s allocating funds, changing our approach, addressing administrative needs, or elevating issue to higher headquarters, we’ll see to it.”

In additional to addressing concerns, Curry highlighted 14 superior performers from across the squadron. For some in the 4th RS, this was their first time meeting with their 319th RW leadership team; both squadron and wing benefited from the interaction.

“I absolutely love getting the chance to hear your stories and learn about the tremendous sacrifices you are making to get the mission done,” Curry said. “You’re acting as a direct embodiment of what our wing’s shield and its torch represent — life, liberty and the values we serve to protect.”