ACC vice commander to command U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force

  • Published
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  The secretary of defense announced Aug. 19 that President George W. Bush has nominated Air Combat Command vice commander, Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright, to be the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

In these two command positions, General Wright will be the senior U.S. military representative in Japan and commander of U.S. Air Force units in Japan, respectively.

This assignment would mark the generals fourth assignment in Japan. He previously served as an F-4C Wild Weasel instructor pilot with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, then as director of operations with U.S. Forces Japan at Yokota, and most recently as 35th Fighter Wing commander at Misawa Air Base.

Additionally, the secretary of defense announced President Bushs nomination of Maj. Gen. William M. Fraser III, Air Education and Training Command director of operations, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment to succeed General Wright as ACC vice commander.

General Fraser is currently responsible for developing policies and programming resources for Air Force technical and aircrew training. He received his commission through the ROTC program at Texas A&M University and entered the Air Force in 1974.

Both assignments are pending Senate confirmation.