F-16 Fighting Falcon News

January 18, 2007 (by SSgt A.C. Eggman) - Brig. Gen. SAM Angelella said his final farewell to Misawa servicemembers before relinquishing command of the 35th Fighter Wing to Col. Terrence O'Shaughnessy Jan. 17 at Misawa AB, Japan.
The general quickly pointed out that as long as he had the podium, he was still the 35th Fighter Wing commander and for the colonel to get comfortable while he spoke for the final time as the installation commander.

"I will continue to support and watch your group and squadron commanders lead you to victory on this Global War on Terrorism," said General Angelella. "Never before have I seen such an exceptional group of commanders, chiefs, senior NCOs and Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines assembled in one place accomplish so much."

The general thanked his vice commander, and command chief master sergeant for all their support and hard work. The general then took a few minutes to acknowledge all the accomplishments listed on his citation for his first Legion of Merit medal he earned during his 17-month command were the result of his team's work.

"It wasn't me like you heard in that citation," he said. "It was you." General Angelella spoke in English and Japanese about how much he enjoyed the assignment and the bilateral and co-prosperity shared with city officials and Japanese servicemembers.

Speaking to Colonel O'Shaughnessy, "I've seen you in action and I'm excited for you as you bring Misawa and the 35th Fighter Wing to new heights of excellence... good luck."

With eight simple words presided over by Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, the change of command was official at 10:50 a.m.

"I am honored and humbled to be standing here as the new 35th Fighter Wing commander," said Colonel O'Shaughnessy. The colonel thanked General Wright for the opportunity to lead the wing and work closely with Japan Air Self-Defense force and city officials to build a stronger working relationship.

"To 35th Fighter Wing men and women, we have challenging times ahead of us," said the new commander, referring to deployments and the Operational Readiness Inspection. "I am confident you will rise to the occasion."

The colonel thanked his predecessor for handing him a wing installation committed to excellence.
"It is with great pride I take the reigns of this installation," said Colonel O'Shaughnessy.

The colonel is a 21-year veteran and F-16 fighter pilot with more than 2,900 flying hours. Some of his prior assignments include serving as

• the commander of the 57th Adversary Tactics Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.;
• weapons officer and flight commander, Kunsan AB, Korea;


• assistant operations officer and air-to-ground flight commander, Nellis;


• 555th Fighter Squadron operations officer, Aviano AB, Italy;
• 510th Fighter Squadron commander, Aviano AB, Italy;
• Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe chief of joint plans and operations, Mons, Belgium;
• and senior special assistant to Supreme Allied Commander Europe/Commander United States European Command, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Mons.

General Angelella will continue his 26-year career as the Strategic Planning and Policy deputy director for U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

The 35th Fighter Wing (35 FW) is an air combat unit of the United States Air Force and the host unit at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Its primary fighter is the F-16 C/J "Wild Weasel".