Col. Marcus S. Hunter, center, receives the colors of U.S. Army Garrison Japan from Craig Deatrick, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Pacific, during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Zama, Japan, July 7, 2023.
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – After relinquishing command of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson said he couldn’t believe how fast the previous two years had passed.
In that time, he said he formed many friendships across the garrison as well as with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force leaders and local government officials through ongoing community engagements.
“I could not have asked for a more incredible assignment,” he said. “Over the last two years we have set the example of demonstrating what a true and lasting alliance looks like.”
Tomlinson, who will become the assistant chief of staff of intelligence for Southern European Task Force–Africa at Vicenza, Italy, said goodbye to the garrison community as it welcomed its new commander, Col. Marcus S. Hunter, during a change-of-command ceremony here Friday.
Hunter thanked Tomlinson and his wife, Amaya, for their support as he, his wife, Caren, and their five children embarked on their fourth transoceanic move in seven years.
“While the Army can be fun, it can also be stressful and full of unknowns,” Hunter said. “Thank you both — and truly to the entire garrison team and community — for making that transition easier for us.”
Hunter, who previously served as commander of the 1st Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, said he was actually a temporary tenant at Camp Zama last year while on a six-month deployment with his unit.
He said his visit turned into an opportunity for a “site survey” that provided him a closer look at the work and accomplishments of the garrison.
“It gave me an appreciation for this incredible team and the breadth of the missions with which this team is charged,” he said.
Hunter said he was grateful for the privilege to join the garrison team and to help carry out its missions.
“We share the Japanese values and ideals of a free and open Pacific,” he said, “and I look forward to the many ways in which we will cultivate relationships of trust, respect and true friendship.”
Craig Deatrick, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command–Pacific, presided over the ceremony and told Hunter he would be taking lead of an amazing and capable team.
“We pass the mantle of responsibility for U.S. Army Garrison Japan to you with confidence that you are the right leader at the right time for the right job,” he said. “I am sure you will continue to uphold the commitment to excellence that this organization is known for.”
Deatrick said running a garrison that enables Army readiness is demanding, a task that involves ensuring safe and secure housing, child care, employment opportunities, and a myriad of other important things that enhance quality of life.
“Simply put, managing any Army installation is a tough job,” he said. “And this one, in particular, is one of the toughest due to the challenges with resources and emerging capabilities and capacities that the Army is seeking to put into this theater, specifically here in Japan.”
He credited Tomlinson for successfully transitioning the garrison out of a COVID-19 posture while taking care of people and building partnerships.
In his tenure, Tomlinson was known as a caring and engaged leader who empowered, coached and mentored his team. He also fostered open and transparent communication that included hosting brown bag lunches to hear from garrison staff and to take action when needed, Deatrick said.
Tomlinson also bolstered partnerships both inside and outside of the gates, many of which are critical to the Army’s existence here in Japan.
“Chris, I want to thank you for your service and commend you for everything you did to support the Army’s mission in Japan while working to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance,” he said. “Not a job well done — a job superbly done.”
Held inside the newly renovated theater now called Kizuna Hall, the ceremony held a significance that was not lost on Tomlinson. “Kizuna” is translated into English as “the enduring bonds between people.”
“It’s a fitting venue for this event, symbolizing the close relationships forged through trust and mutual support,” he said.
Tomlinson expressed gratitude for the strong bilateral relationships with his JGSDF partners and for the unique experience of the garrison being co-located with their units on Camp Zama.
He also recognized the mayors of Sagamihara and Zama cities for strengthening the bond between the garrison and their cities, and for the dedication and compassion they showed during the pandemic.
Tomlinson then touted the garrison team for completing various infrastructure projects; morale, welfare and recreation improvements; the design of a new Army lodge; the memorialization of key facilities; and the full return of Soldier and family programs after the pandemic.
“You continue to achieve remarkable things,” he said, adding the team faces the difficult task of running an entire garrison across 17 sites in Japan.
In closing, Tomlinson reminded Hunter to appreciate his time here before it comes to an eventual end.
“Marcus — you, Caren and the kids are joining an incredible group,” he said. “Best wishes as you lead them to even further success over the next two years. Be warned, though … it goes by so quickly.”
By Sean Kimmons, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs