Wright turns over reins of USFJ to Rice

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Wright turns over reins of USFJ to Rice
By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, February 27, 2008

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — In his parting words as the top U.S. military officer in Japan, Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright called for “zero tolerance” for criminal behavior among troops in the wake of an alleged sexual assault on Okinawa that has drawn outcries from island residents and attracted attention from around the world.

“The past two weeks have been both challenging and hurtful,” Wright said before turning over the command of U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force to Lt. Gen. Edward Rice Jr.

“I promise you unwavering commitment to zero tolerance” for sexual assaults and other criminal behavior by servicemembers in Japan, Wright said in his farewell remarks.

Rice, who was promoted to the three-star rank as of Monday, did not mention the controversy during his remarks. Instead, he talked about the strong relationship between Japan and the United States, “an alliance that is more important today than ever before.”

Rice, a bomber pilot who last served as vice commander of Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, spoke about the continued realignment of forces and military capabilities in Japan.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52840