Misawa Air Base endures earthquake

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• Air Force responds to earthquake in Japan - 3/11/2011

Misawa Air Base endures earthquake

Posted 3/11/2011

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3/11/2011 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Misawa Air Base was shaken by the major earthquake that struck Japan Mar 11.

Base officials reported minor structural damage to buildings and a loss of commercial power. Currently there is no estimate on when power will be restored. No injuries were reported.

According to officials, base houses and towers are built to rigorous earthquake standards. All housing towers on the base have been inspected by civil engineers and sustained no damage during the afternoon earthquake.

Misawa Air Base's steam generation plants are functioning however, their steam distribution capability has been hampered in some areas so many residents will be without heat for the near future.

Officials are in the process of setting up community areas on base for residents to come for showers and warmth.

"Living here in Japan, the base is prepared for natural disasters of this kind" said Col Michael Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing commander. "Our main effort is to ensure the safety of the base populace and return the base to normal operations as soon as possible."

More information will follow as it becomes available.

Comments

6/12/2011 4:36:12 PM ET
I was blessed to live at Misawa AB from 78-81. It was the most beautiful experience of my life: the Snow festivals, when the NFL came to the gym (LOL), when the gym's roof blew off ... the youth center down the street from Solars... LOL. wow! I'm OLD!

Darren Alexander, NC USA

3/31/2011 1:09:56 AM ET
I was stationed at MISAWA AIR BASE from August 70 to March 71 when the base was given back to Japan. The rest of my tour was in Korea. I loved the base and the people in town. I'm hoping the quake did no damage and no one died. There has been nothing on the news here in California so like everyone else that made comments I my fingers are crossed.

Jim Burrow, Livermore Ca

3/29/2011 12:35:11 PM ET
I was stationed in Misawa 1965 to 1967 and loved every moment. Loved the Japanese people. Would like to know if the base and the city have power and water. A common thread of all comments seem that everyone loved the local people and their duty their at Misawa. Would love to hear from someone with a current update as well as someone that served in the late 60 ies. jc66phil@gmail.com A1C Jacky Phillips

Jack Phillips, Oakland Tn.

3/18/2011 1:14:15 PM ET
I was stationed at Misawa from 1998-2000. I experienced several earthquakes there but never to this degree. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.

Amy Foreman, Greensboro NC

3/17/2011 3:56:20 PM ET
Our family was stationed there in 1968 when we had a big earthquake. I was told that it was a 8.9 on the rickter scale. Was that true? I can imagine what the Japanese people must be dealing with. We lived in W area so our homes faired well because the Japanese built them for earthquake conditions. Again this is what I was told. All I remember is being afraid. We are praying for all affected by this tragedy.

Sheri Odle, Niceville Florida

3/16/2011 9:27:22 AM ET
My family and I were stationed in Misawa from Mid 1982 to Late 1984 and went through many minor quakes and one that was significant but nothing on the scale of this one. Very pleased to note only minor damage. Our prayers are with all of you.

michael parsons, NAS North Island CA

3/15/2011 3:28:33 PM ET
I was stationed at Misawa 1976-80 and endured a lot of earthquakes during this time. I can't imagine what this one was like. My heart goes out to all those military folks and their families.

Pete Sill, Whidbey Island Washington

3/14/2011 8:25:51 PM ET
Glad too hear that everyone at Misawa is all right . Since the earthquake, have been trying to get news of that area. I realize it feels terrible right now but hang in there and soon it will only be a memory. Something to tell your siblings about in years to come . God is watching over you .

Orva Blankenship, oklahoma

3/14/2011 1:25:58 PM ET
My co-worker's 24 yr old daughter is in Kitakata. She has been there almost a year now teaching. She is stranded as are many people. Is there a way she can get to the base? The company she was recruited by is not being very helpful. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Marie Girard, Ft. Lauderdale FL

3/14/2011 1:17:58 PM ET
I pray for my former shipmates at PSD Misawa. Senior Chief PS1 hang in there and take heart. Hoping you and your families are well. -Webbie

Jared Weber, San Diego

3/14/2011 11:42:13 AM ET
We are looking for Joe Johnston Sr. Laurie and Troy. Joe Jr. has not heard from you- wants to know you're all right. Please contact us as soon as you're able. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Cherie Kefauver, Frederick Maryland

3/14/2011 11:34:15 AM ET
I was statiooned at Misawa from 75 to 78 again from 81 to 83 and again from 92 to 94. I love Misawa and hope to go back again someday to visit. Thank God our sailors airmen soldiersmarines and their families are okay. My prayers to all the Japanese.Gene Bristow Carmel Ca.

Gene Bristow, Carmel Ca

3/14/2011 9:58:31 AM ET
It has been almost 45 years since we left Misawa AB with many fond memories of the Base and the Japanese people. It is interesting to note the number of comments from those of us who were there so long ago. I would appreciate any information about our friend and maid Sueko Shimbuya. Suekosan just about raised our kids Lesley Doug and Lee Ann for three years

Max and Sue Odle, Granbury TX

3/13/2011 11:52:03 PM ET
I was stationed at Misawa AB 1955--1957 with the 45th Tac Recon Sq. We lived in quanset huts and almost everyday we would feel earth tremors and things falling off of shelves. Hurricanes were a bigger scare in those days. I am happy to hear that there was only minor damage to the base and surrounding areas. Misawa was one of my best Air Force assignments. Ronald House, Ret. MSgt. USAF

Ron House, USA

3/13/2011 10:37:22 PM ET
I also was stationed at Misawa AFB in the late 60s and am glad to hear that the base has withstood the earthquake quite well. I do have a great concern for the Japanese people in the area though and am also glad to hear that the base is helping them keep warm and fed. My memories of the base personnel are that they have a strong compassion for people and an equally strong effort in keeping the base and its personnel safe. It is a fairly high risk area between two oceans at the northern end of Honshu and given to frequent earthquake tremors. My gratitude to all who are participating in helping the locals. Sincerely, Rev. Kathleen McKevitt

kathleen mckevitt, Jerome Idaho

3/13/2011 5:55:50 PM ET
I was stationed at Misawa on May 16, 1968, as a member of the then 6921st Security Wing. I had just returned from Security Hill down to my BOQ across from base headquarters when the quake struck. I was in my quarters and as I tried to run out of the building. I kept getting knocked down from the force of the quake and the noise was deafening. When it was over I tried to drive back up to my unit to see what I help I could give only to find that the road had been severed, so I got out and walked the remaining way. Our ops center was a shambles. On the evening of May 16th we had a powerful aftershock and we were in the dark without heat, and the temperature dropped into the 30s that night. For a couple of weeks we got our food and water from cargo flights from Yokota. I lined up each morning with my 5 gallon water can and got my day's ration of water. I also got c-rations. Without heat or power we couldn't get gas for our vehicles so conservation was the order for the day.

Paul Kendall, Arlington Texas

3/13/2011 4:50:05 PM ET
My son is a member of the Air Force stationed at Misawa. Although I have received 3 very short emails I will still feel so much better when I can finally hear his voice.

Barbara Whelehan, Rochester NY

3/13/2011 10:52:57 AM ET
Here's hoping my friends Doug and Gabby Vasalech are okay and all the AAFES family on Misawa.

Mary E GIbson, Beale AFB CA

3/13/2011 9:23:31 AM ET
Our son is with the 35th MXS. He posted to his Facebook that they were OK. Power was out but generators were on. A few tool boxes knocked over but no water damage. No report on the town. He posted on 312. No cell coverage prob not for a while.

Stephen Austen, Charlotte NC

3/13/2011 8:58:55 AM ET
I was stationed at Misawa AB 6921st Security Group Feb. '69-Sep. '72. I hope that those on base and the surrounding communities are able to weather this disaster as quickly as possible. Those of us former Misawans are praying for all. We're with you in our thoughts.

Ron Tarby, Lawrenceville PA

3/13/2011 1:23:37 AM ET
I was stationed at Misawa for a little over a year in the early 80s. I worked on the bombing ranger there....RipSaw... and was wondering if anyone has heard how it survived the tsunami. I hope that everyone is safe and well, and my heart goes out to any and all who may have lost or have had loved ones injured.

Dan Freese, SalemOR

3/13/2011 12:49:30 AM ET
Misawa is Wenatchee's Sister City. We want to know how we can help our dear friends. I visted Misawa in August 1995. Earl Tilly, former Mayor of Wenatchee

Earl Tilly, Wenatchee WA

3/12/2011 11:17:02 PM ET
We have a son in law stationed there in Misawa. I had forgot all about this site. So glad that I found it and can keep checking back for information. Our thoughts and prayers for everyone there. May God speed

Gloria Oney, Dayton Ohio

3/12/2011 8:00:03 PM ET
Glad to hear the base weathered the storm. I was stationed there when it was NAF 1978 to 1980.

Michael Jacobs, Cleveland Ohio

3/12/2011 5:47:01 PM ET
This site is a Godsend. My son and his family are stationed at Misawa and it is such a relief to be able to check this site for updates on the conditions and saftey of our family and friends.

Shari Yerbich, Idaho

3/12/2011 5:09:06 PM ET
My son is in the Air Force stationed at Misawa. His wife works at the hospital and was able to Facebook us. She said to pass on that everyone is safe. Of course they were shaken up. Now no heat, no electricity, no phones. Everyone treats everyone like family. Prayers were answered that none of our military and their families were injured. We need to pray for the families of the Japanese.

Shelley, MilwaukieOR

3/12/2011 4:23:27 PM ET
I was at Misawa AB performing some GOQ assessments in 2009. Met many great folks and have fond memories of the town. Base personnel and townspeople are in my prayers.

Jeff Gordon, Vicksburg MS

3/12/2011 2:46:43 PM ET
Praying for all of those in Japan. We spent 3 years stationed at Misawa Air Base years ago and loved it and the people. Had a few earthquakes while we were there so understand the concerns. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the military personnel and all the Japanese families.

James and Diane Hutchison, Asheville NC

3/12/2011 12:51:45 PM ET
I am looking for my father, David H. Brooks. He works in the simulation training dept.

Jeannette B, Kansas city mo

3/12/2011 12:01:15 PM ET
My daughter S. Cook is with the Navy in Misawa and we have not heard from her. It is good to hear that there were no injuries. Jer in Texas

Jerry Fallin, Houston Texas

3/12/2011 9:13:42 AM ET
I was stationed at Misawa Air Base from the fall of 1951 to Jan 1953 and I am concerned not only for those stationed at the base but those living in the city of Misawa. Any details would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

fred pytlowany, linden nj

3/12/2011 6:03:24 AM ET
My grandson is stationed at Misawa and it's nice to finally read something positive. Glad to hear he is fine with only a little inconvenience to those on base. I'm sure they will probably be sent to help the others in Japan. Will be glad when cell phones work again for texting and for Facebook posting. Prayers to all in Japan and the families of all.

Karen Cochran, spokane wa

3/12/2011 5:15:47 AM ET
Thinking of everyone affected by the earthquake and the devastation that followed. I have some friends out there in Misawa and hope that they and others are all ok.

Jimmy Grieve, England

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