2025 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Former Commander, 374th Airlift Wing and Yokota Air Base Andrew L. Roddan

On April 29, 2025 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Andrew L. Roddan, Former Commander, 374th Airlift Wing and Yokota Air Base, being one of the recipients. In recognition of his contributions towards reinforcing the alliance between Japan and the United States in the field of defense, he will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

• DECORATION: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
• SERVICE: Contributions towards reinforcing the alliance between Japan and the United States in the field of defense
• NAME: Andrew L. Roddan
• MAJOR TITLE: Former Commander, 374th Airlift Wing and Yokota Air Base
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Virginia (United States of America)

Colonel Roddan introduced new ideas to improve interoperability in joint exercises and various Japan-U.S. training exercises and made significant contributions to strengthening Japan-U.S. joint response capabilities. In addition, Colonel Roddan made efforts to expand opportunities for exchange and to promote mutual understanding not only between Japanese-U.S. defense authorities but also with local communities by resuming various Japan-U.S. exchange events, which had been suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.