Yokota Airmen honored by Okutama Fire Department

31 July 2025

From Staff Sgt. Manuel G. Zamora

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malachi Mustango, 36th Airlift Squadron resource advisor, and Staff Sgt. Danaie Lloyd, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron inventory inspection supervisor NCOIC, received certificates of appreciation from the Okutama Fire Station, Tokyo Fire Department, July 30, in recognition of their lifesaving actions in rescuing a local national.

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From the left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malachi Mustango, 36th Airlift Squadron resource advisor, receives a certificate of appreciation from Tsuyoshi Ito, Okutama fire department fire chief at Okutama, Japan, July 30, 2025. Events like these demonstrate the enduring partnership between Yokota Air Base and the surrounding Japanese communities, built on trust, shared experiences, and mutual support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel G. Zamora)

The two Yokota Airmen were commended for their roles in rescuing a Japanese local who fell into a river June 2025. Mustango dove into the water to save the woman, while Lloyd supported rescue efforts and coordinated follow-up.

From the left, U.S. Air Force Danaie Lloyd, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron inventory inspection supervisor NCOIC, receives a certificate of appreciation from Tsuyoshi Ito, Okutama fire department fire chief at Okutama, Japan, July 30, 2025. Events like these demonstrate the enduring partnership between Yokota Air Base and the surrounding Japanese communities, built on trust, shared experiences, and mutual support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel G. Zamora)

In return for their actions, Okutama fire chief Tsuyoshi Ito led a tour for members of the 36 AS and 374 LRS, showcasing the fire department’s facilities and providing insight into its 50 years of dedicated service. The visit concluded with a tea break and a commemorative video reflecting the department’s history.

From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malachi Mustango, 36th Airlift Squadron resource advisor, and Kazuki Nishikawa, Okutama Fire Department, firefighter, trade patches in Okutama, Japan, July 30, 2025. Patch exchanges are a long-standing tradition that symbolize mutual respect and camaraderie between service members and their international counterparts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel G. Zamora)

The lifesaving actions of Mustango and Lloyd reflect the initiative expected of the U.S. Air Force Airmen. Their willingness to swiftly act not only saved a life, but also reaffirmed the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to allies and partners through fostering trust and strengthening relations.