JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander, met with Japanese Defense leaders and PACAF Airmen Aug. 7 through 12 as part of his first trip to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region as the commander.

The trip bolstered relationships with Japanese counterparts and allowed O’Shaughnessy the opportunity to discuss the vital role Airmen at Yokota Air Base and Kadena Air Base play in that relationship with Japan.

“The strength of our alliance with Japan has never been more important,” O’Shaughnessy said. “When we look at the current security situation in the region, the growing dependence on air power to maintain the peace and stability is directly related to both the strength of our Airmen, as well as their ability to contribute to the alliance.”

During his visit, O’Shaughnessy met with Japan Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada, Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Yoshiyuki Sugiyama, Air Defense Command Commander Lt. Gen. Hiroaki Fukue, and several other key JASDF leaders. The general also took the time to visit the AN/TPY-2 radar site at Kyogamisaki to visit with the Soldiers of the 14th Missile Defense Battery who are responsible for the operations and maintenance of the vital ballistic missile defense system.

“We must continue to build these relationships and enhance the capabilities of our alliances,” O’Shaughnessy said. “It’s the daily things we do, the partnerships that are people-to-people. If we are going to fight together, we need to understand each other. The relationships we make over time will have a huge impact.”

While meeting with Airmen, the general also addressed the importance of preserving ambassadorship with Japan.

“The actions of our Airmen can have a strategic impact on our vital relationship with Japan,” he explained. “I stress to all our Airmen that the professionalism they show each day must continue both in an out of uniform. Ensuring we maintain a strong alliance will help us to deter and defeat any potential threats.”

While visiting Yokota and Kadena with Chief Master Sgt. Buddy Hutchison, PACAF command chief, O’Shaughnessy thanked Airmen for their dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“You’re an amazing team; I know you will keep doing amazing things,” he said. “Remember you are an American Airman who is making a big difference and completing the mission our nation needs you to do. You should be proud of that.”