Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi held a change of command ceremony, Aug.3, where Capt. Lloyd B. Mack, from Pensacola, Florida, relieved Capt. John F. Bushey, a Spencer, Iowa native.

Commander, Naval Forces Japan, Rear Adm. Gregory Fenton was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

"Atsugi has always been an important base and, for me personally, it is great to be back again," said Fenton. "Previously, as captain of USS George Washington (CVN 73), I came over weekly to check on my aircraft intermediate maintenance department detachment and take an opportunity to fly with Carrier Air Wing 5. Atsugi has always done a tremendous job supporting the fleet, and [Capt. Bushey] has continued to contribute to this installation and Region Japan. The Atsugi team has enjoyed many successes under Capt. Bushey's leadership."

More than 500 Sailors, special guests, and friends and family of the command attended the ceremony.

"This is the end of my third tour in Japan. Atsugi has become my 'Navy hometown.' I have always enjoyed the sense of community, dedication to mission, teamwork and camaraderie that exists here," said Bushey. "To an equal extent, I enjoyed the Japanese people, culture, customs and food. In this position I was able to interact more with our host nation and allies then in my first two tours. I'm happy to have been able to contribute to our alliance, as well as to help foster the unique community that is Atsugi and build relationships with our host nation neighbors."

As commanding officer, Bushey was directly responsible for NAF Atsugi, which provides services to support the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Forward (CFAF), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and more than 30 tenant commands and units assigned to the Far East. He also provided logistic support, coordination and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

Bushey will continue on as the director of fleet operations for Commander, Naval Installations Command.

"Although this is my first time serving in Japan, it is not my first time serving in the Pacific. I understand the significance of this opportunity and I embrace the challenge," said Mack. "Today I'm honored to assume command of such an exceptional base. The strong relationships exemplified by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the tenant commands and the surrounding community are key and essential to the future success of NAF Atsugi."

Mack received a Professor of Naval Science Scholarship to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematical sciences and was commissioned an ensign in May 1993. He served as commanding officer of Tactical Air Control Squadron (VTC) 21 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mack previously served as the director for the executive integration and synchronization division (DNS-2) under the Director, Navy Staff in Washington D.C. before reporting to NAF Atsugi.

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