Luong Assumes Command of U.S. Army Japan

August 29, 2018

Zama, Kanagawa Pref.- Maj. Gen. Viet Luong assumed command of U.S. Army Japan on Tuesday at a ceremony held at Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo.

Luong, former deputy commanding general of operations for Eighth Army in South Korea, took over from Maj. Gen. James Pasquarette.

Luong is expected to work on boosting the preparedness of U.S. Army Japan to accept troops from the U.S. mainland in times of emergency.

"It is an honor" to take "the very important position," Luong told reporters, adding that he wants to contribute toward the future of the Japan-U.S. relationship.

Luong emigrated from Vietnam to the United States with his family as political refugees in 1975. After joining the U.S. Army, he served in campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Jiji Press