KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa, Japan — Col. Dennis L. Han assumed command of the 10th Support Group from Col. Torrance G. Cleveland during a change of command ceremony at the Rocker Enlisted Club on Kadena Air Base, July 2.
The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. James K. Dooghan, commanding general of U.S. Army Japan, who recognized Col. Cleveland’s leadership and the organization’s vital role in supporting Army operations throughout the Pacific.
“Torrance, your foresight, leadership, active listening, investment in people and teamwork is what makes you a superior leader,” said Maj. Gen. Dooghan. “Well done and I look forward to watching your continued success as you take on your next challenge in Germany.”
During his tenure, Col. Cleveland led the 10th Support Group in executing operational and contingency support plans that enabled U.S. Army Japan and U.S. Pacific Command operations while strengthening readiness across Okinawa. The group serves as the senior U.S. Army headquarters in support of U.S. Army Japan, providing mission command and sustainment capabilities essential to maintaining a ready and responsive force.
Reflecting on his command, Col. Cleveland credited the Soldiers, Army civilians, families and mission partners who made the organization’s accomplishments possible.
“As I reflect on the past two years with the 10th Support Group, one thought rises above everything else: Purpose grounded in people, strengthened through partnerships, and proven through our ability to sustain and prevail,” said Col. Cleveland. “Our motto, Service Through Support, is more than something we say. Our Soldiers have lived it.”
Col. Cleveland also reflected on the people who made the organization successful.
“What I will remember are the people behind every mission,” said Col. Cleveland. “I will remember leaders who placed their Soldiers first. Teams who solved impossible problems without seeking recognition. Families who sacrificed quietly. Partners who stood beside us. And a formation that never lost sight of why we serve.”
Following the ceremony, Col. Cleveland will depart Okinawa for Stuttgart, Germany, where he will serve as the deputy J-4 for U.S. Africa Command.
Col. Han assumes command after serving as the deputy commander of Defense Logistics Agency Indo-Pacific at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Commissioned through the Pennsylvania State University Army ROTC program in 2003, Col. Han brings more than two decades of logistics and sustainment experience, including leadership assignments throughout the Pacific and deployments supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Central Africa.
In his first remarks as commander, Col. Han reaffirmed his commitment to the Soldiers and Army civilians of the 10th Support Group and to maintaining the organization’s high standards of readiness.
“My pledge to each of you is simple: I will work tirelessly to ensure you are resourced, trained, and ready for any mission,” said Col. Han. “We will build readiness, we will take care of each other, and we will remain the premier sustainment organization in the region. I am proud to stand in your ranks today, and even prouder to be your commander. Let’s get to work.”
The 10th Support Group executes operational and contingency support plans to facilitate and enable U.S. Army Japan and U.S. Pacific Command operations. As the senior U.S. Army headquarters in support of U.S. Army Japan, the organization provides mission command, sustainment and contingency support capabilities that ensure Army forces remain ready to respond throughout the Pacific.