Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sophia H. Bumps
SASEBO, Japan – Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) held a change of command ceremony Sept. 3, 2026. Capt. Wilbur Hines, relieved Capt. Michael Fontaine as commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo.
“Living in Japan has changed my life for the better. Working with all of you has been the highest honor of my career,” said Fontaine. “This is not a city or country that I am ready to leave.Part of my heart will always be here.” Fontaine assumed command in September 2023.
Rear Adm. Ian Johnson, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan / Navy Region Japan, presided over the ceremony and served as the guest speaker.
“You approached that responsibility with straightforward leadership: take care of your people, set high standards, and accomplish the mission,” said Johnson of Fontaine. “And you delivered.”
During Fontaine’s tour, CFAS provided comprehensive support to Sasebo-based forward-deployed naval forces and their families during numerous deployments, including the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group’s (ARG) dynamic seven-month deployment in 2026 to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operations in support of Operation Epic Fury. CFAS also earned numerous distinctions under Fontaine’s command, including Naval Security Force of the Year, Naval Security Patrolman of the Year, Naval Security Force Investigator of the Year, the No. 1 CNIC Military Work Dog Kennel, five consecutive Gold Star Galley awards, the CNFJ Environmental Compliance Award, the NGIS Zumwalt Award, recognition as the No. 1 Large Fire Department in Japan, and Navy Fire Inspector of the Year.
Fontaine credited the installation’s success to the Sailors, civilian employees and Japanese workforce who supported the mission throughout his tenure.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Sasebo District commandant Vice Adm. Tatsuya Fukuda, presented Fontaine with the Second Class Defense Cooperation Medal and a letter of appreciation during the ceremony. Fontaine was also presented with the Sasebo Honorary Citizen for International Goodwill Award from Sasebo City Mayor Daisuke Miyajima.
Fukuda and Miyajima congratulated Fontaine on his achievements during his time in Sasebo and welcomed Hines, who had previously commanded Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 in Sasebo, back to Japan.
After assuming command, Hines reaffirmed CFAS’ commitment to mission readiness, taking care of its people and strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.
“Together, we will enable the fight, take care of our people, strengthen our alliance, and deliver the readiness our nation requires,” said Hines.
Hines previously served in Sasebo as the executive officer and commanding officer of Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, which operates forward-deployed beach party teams, Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) boats in support of U.S. 7th Fleet amphibious operations. Most recently Hines served as War Plans Branch Chief (J35) at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Hines enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1988 as an electronics technician and later received his commission through the Limited Duty Officer program. Hines holds degrees from Southern Illinois University, the Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College.
Fontaine’s next tour of duty will be USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Inactivation Manager at Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT).
CFAS enables 14 forward-deployed Naval forces and 48 tenant commands across 12 geographic locations, supporting a community of 8,400 Sailors, civilians, family members, and Japanese employees.