Through the Eyes of the Consul General of Japan in Detroit

In the previous column, I wrote about Wright–Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, so this time I should write about Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.
As it happens, the top commander there is also a woman, though there is a bit of a longer story behind how that came to be.
 
Michigan is a so-called purple state where Democrats and Republicans are closely matched. When President Donald Trump came to campaign in the state, he visited Selfridge Air National Guard Base. That was in April of last year. Prior to that, Governor Gretchen Whitmer had visited the White House and reached an agreement with President Trump to deploy 21 of the latest F-15EX fighter jets to Selfridge. It was a moment that demonstrated Governor Whitmer’s hallmark approach of choosing compromise over confrontation when it benefits the people of Michigan.
 
Soon after that, I was able to secure an appointment and visited Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Guided by Brigadier General Matthew Brancato and Michigan Air National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Brigadier General Kramer, I toured the base and received a briefing. This was just my impression from looking around from a golf cart, but aside from the golf course, which seemed lively, there were many vacant spaces in the housing areas, hospital, and offices. I could understand why there had been rumors that the base might close if new fighter aircraft were not deployed there.
 
Later, we invited them to a dinner at my official residence. On that occasion, they brought a two-meter-tall apple tree as a gift. Shortly thereafter, Major Moore and I planted it together in the garden at my residence—but unfortunately, the apples were eaten by deer.
 
Through these encounters, exchanges between Selfridge Air National Guard Base and our Consulate gradually began to grow. In December of last year, Brigadier General Brancato was transferred to Washington, D.C., and I was invited to the change-of-command ceremony. His successor is Brigadier General Voelker, who is also a woman.
 
Brigadier General Voelker attended a large dinner gathering that I also attended, but I have not yet had the chance to speak with her at length. At the change-of-command ceremony, she emphasized the importance of readiness, so she may have a rather careful and deliberate personality.
 
I have been invited to the air show at the end of May. Before that, I hope to have the opportunity to sit down with Brigadier General Voelker and talk at length. I believe that having each and every member of the U.S. Air Force understand Japan—and come to like Japan—is the shortest path to further strengthening the Japan–U.S. alliance.