Yokota Airmen strengthen bilateral, joint disaster response exercises

As the C-130 Hercules dove through the clouds toward its target 300 feet off the deck, the crew began its drop zone entry checklist. In the back of the aircraft, two loadmasters readied the cargo and eyed the amber light, awaiting its turn to green. Suddenly, the navigator's voice alerted over the

Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan. American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers. Normally,

Yokota Airmen take to sky during Pacific Airlift Rally

Seventy-eight members from the 36th Airlift Squadron here will test their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief abilities in the Pacific Airlift Rally held in Sri Lanka, Aug. 18 through 22. The Pacific Airlift Rally is designed to strengthen interoperability between nations in the Indonesian

Yokota Airmen teach music to Japanese students

The sweet sound of harmony reverberated throughout the cavernous city hall here April 15 as Air Force musicians shared their knowledge and experience with more than 100 Japanese high-school students during a music clinic.Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia at Yokota Air Base,

Yokota Airmen train combat mobility during Max Thunder

The 36th Airlift Squadron participated in Exercise Max Thunder 14-2, flying alongside South Korean military counterparts to integrate their airlift capabilities in a simulated combat environment.

Yokota Airmen train with Japanese police

Members of the 374th Security Forces Squadron here conducted a joint response training exercise with members of the Japanese National Police-Fussa Division March 26 here. Fussa officials came up with idea of a joint unexploded ordnance response and investigation exercise to educate new police

Yokota becomes Pacific training hub for firefighters

Firefighters from the 374th Airlift Wing here will soon be able to receive job specific training without even leaving the base. A representative from Texas Engineering Extension Institute visited Yokota Air Base firefighters to explain how a new program will allow Airmen to participate in and

Yokota brings holiday cheer to islanders

A Yokota Air Base, Japan C-130 Hercules airdropped donations to residents of the Micronesian islands during Operation Christmas Drop Dec. 9.

Yokota C-130 helps rescue six lost at sea

A C-130 Hercules aircrew from the 36th Airlift Squadron here helped a search-and-rescue mission May 21 when they spotted a missing 20-foot Micronesian sailing vessel about 120 miles off of the coast of Guam. Six people, including a 10-year-old boy, were brought to safety after being lost at sea for

Yokota C-130s continue to fly aid to tsunami victims

C-130 Hercules crews from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, continue to fly vital supplies and equipment to tsunami-stricken areas in Southeast Asia.“It feels great to help. It makes you feel good to be an American when we are able to share with those who are in need,” said Maj.

Yokota celebrates cherry blossoms, hope with community

Officials here invited the community to come on base April 9 and view the base's collection of the flowering pink and white cherry blossom trees. More than 1,300 local nationals came to the open house.The event comes on the heels of Operation Tomodachi, the relief efforts supported by Team Yokota in

Yokota civil engineers lead building renovation for relief forces

Airmen in the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, aided by Red Cross workers and base community volunteers, prepared lodging facilities here March 12 for inbound disaster relief forces.More than 60 Airmen and base residents worked into the evening on previously unoccupied residential building, cleaning

Yokota community comes together to aid Japan in rockin' way

More than 700 people gathered at an outdoor stage here to enjoy music, friends and food during Tomodachistock 2011 April 16.Through this rock-filled benefit concert, the Yokota American Red Cross was able to raise $24,360 for the Japanese Red Cross earthquake and tsunami relief effort."(As

Yokota couple wins O’Malley award

Sources have it that behind every good man stands a good woman.Col. Mark Schissler, a former 374th Airlift Wing commander here, said he has to agree.His wife, Marcia, and himself led the wing and its tenant units through two years of relief efforts, community relations events, inspections and

Yokota enhances capabilities through exercise

Members of the 374th Airlift Wing participated in exercise Vigilant Ace 16 from Nov. 1-10, in conjunction with a Samurai Readiness Inspection at Yokota Air Base. Vigilant Ace is a large-scale exercise on the Korean Peninsula designed to enhance the interoperability of U.S. and allied forces through

Yokota fuels specialists support global missions

Fuels specialists from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron here provide a vital service for Air Force defense and humanitarian missions worldwide. “Providing fuel, oil and lubricants is one of the most important logistic factors that influence strategic and tactical planning in today’s military,”

Yokota hosts Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar

U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel gathered at Yokota Air Base May 17 and 18 to discuss the roles of air mobility and mission capabilities the countries provide to the Pacific region. The Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar is an office of the

Yokota isochronal Airmen keep Pacific fleet healthy

Mechanics here are essential to sustaining the health and safety of Pacific Air Force’s fleet of C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.“Aircraft periodic inspection and replacement of worn parts are important in keeping minor problems from becoming critical safety issues,” said Senior Master Sgt. Earl

Yokota lab earns prestigious accreditation

You're in good hands when it comes to the service provided by the 374th Medical Group clinical laboratory, and they have the paper to prove it. The College of American Pathologists awarded an accreditation, based on a recent on-site inspection, to the medical group laboratory. The lab, noted for

Yokota mail detachment is largest, busiest

Detachment 2 of the Air Postal Squadron here operates the Air Force’s largest and busiest central mail processing activity. Its 48-person team of Airmen and local Japanese workers oversee the movement, sorting and distribution of more than 50 million pounds of mail annually.Det. 2 also has remote

Yokota maintainer video chats with son's class about Operation Tomodachi

An Alabama school teacher had been discussing with his sixth-grade class the recent natural disasters in Japan. When the students wanted to know how the U.S. is helping the recovery efforts, Jeff Rhodus was at a loss."We could ask my dad," offered one student, 12-year-old Miland Myers. "He's

Yokota maintainers use AFSO21 to improve C-130 inspection process

Twenty-one Airmen held a weeklong training scenario focusing on improving the C-130 Hercules isochronal inspection process in mid-March here.The inspection is a requirement that has recently changed from a 365-day requirement to a to a 450-day interval and one that requires cooperation from numerous

Yokota mission essential for global reach

The commander of Air Mobility Command recently met with the men and women of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron and other senior officials. As part of a nine-day tour of air mobility operations across the Pacific region last week, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb hosted a commander's call, toured the AMC

Yokota officials host bilateral safety conference

Forty-two Japanese civilian general aviation pilots landed here March 20 for the Kanto Plain Mid-Air Collision and Avoidance Conference conducted by the staff of the 374th Airlift Wing Safety Office. The MACA conference brought military members together with civilian pilots from all over Japan, to

Yokota operations commander discusses importance of worldwide mobility presence

Since Col. Mark Baker took command of the 515th Air Mobility Operations Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in June 2008 when the unit activated, he's seen the unit take its mission to new levels.As a sub-unit of the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, the 515th AMOG

Yokota pharmacy ensures a mission-ready force

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group’s pharmacy here ensure Pacific Air Force’s most important weapon system -- its people -- are fit, healthy and mission-ready.Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a key role in reducing medication errors and improving pharmacy practices. The nine-person team

Yokota provides typhoon relief to island of Yap

The island of Yap in Micronesia was devastated by Typhoon Sudal on April 10. The typhoon had wind speeds up to 125 mph for six to 10 hours, knocking out the island’s power, communications and infrastructure.Two C-130 Hercules aircraft, four aircrews and six crew chiefs returned here April 16 after

Yokota radar techs keep Pacific aircraft safe

Every day, technicians here ensure air traffic control radars correctly and safely track incoming and outgoing Department of Defense military and contracted civilian aircraft. Radar is air traffic control’s primary surveillance system, said Tech. Sgt. Michael Smith, ground radar systems supervisor

Yokota residents pay tribute to Holocaust victims

The Constitution protects American citizens' rights to worship as they choose by allowing the "free exercise thereof," but history shows citizens of other countries have not been as fortunate. Yokota Air Base residents exercised "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" at a memorial service

Yokota restaurant in step with transformation

The grand opening of a Chili's restaurant Aug. 14 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is another step in the sustained efforts by Air Force leaders to care for their people by improving quality of life. Several hundred Airmen, their families and civic leaders from the Yokota AB community took part in a

Yokota shares its sky with Japanese airliners

Traveling can be a hectic task, but officials here are helping ease the stress and headaches of today's travelers. The Road Map to Realignment is a group of initiatives designed to help future operations between U.S. and Japanese forces. One of the initiatives under this agreement is changing Yokota

Yokota shares keys to resiliency with Japan allies

To further the relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, Air Force officials shared resiliency skills with their JSDF counterparts at Yokota AB, Japan.

Yokota shouldering runway taxi project

A $300,000 project is underway here to make long-term fixes to the pavement on the flightline's northwest shoulder and taxiway. The construction started April 16 and its estimated completion date is June 15. In addition to preventing foreign-object damage, or FOD, these repairs save money, according

Yokota students continue orphanage bond

Students from Yokota East Elementary School here experienced the joys of giving, sharing and making friends when they visited an orphanage in suburban Tokyo on March 1.During the visit, the sounds of American and Japanese children playing and laughing filled the cramped two-story Aiji-no-ie (House

Yokota students show precision, dedication

"Squad, halt!" The uniformed members in polished dress shoes marching in formation with shined-brown rifle stocks parading in a small gym come to a stomping halt. The nine young men and women stand at a position of attention. These young men and women aren't servicemembers -- they're high school

Yokota teachers improving reading programs

Yokota AB's West Elementary school is improving education for military children by instituting a new workshop to improve reading. The new reading workshop was created by five first grade teachers at the school hoping to improve reading writing and comprehension skills for first grade students. "We

Yokota tests non-combatant evacuation operations

A C-130 Hercules filled with non-combatant evacuation role-players from Kunsan Air Base, Korea arrived at the flight line March 6 to participate in the Yokota Air Base's operational readiness inspection. The passengers were acting as non-combatants for the purpose of the exercise scenario. There are

Yokota trespassers caught, detained, released

Two trespassers were caught on Yokota Air Base, detained and after further investigation, released in January here. The trespassers, tanukis or Japanese raccoon dogs, were captured by the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron Entomology Flight Airmen on Yokota Jan. 6 and taken to Tama Hills Recreation Area

Yokota youths graduate safe and sound

Many parents at Yokota Air Base slept soundly last week knowing their high school graduates were in good hands graduation night.Project Graduation is an all-night party sponsored by many schools throughout the United States and at military bases overseas to keep students safe and apart from alcohol

Yokota, Japanese firefighters dowse base fire

Yokota Air Base and Japanese firefighters fought a blaze at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Japan about 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 here, and there were no reports of any injuries. Five fire engines, two ladder trucks and a command vehicle from local fire departments as well as 38 firefighters

Yokota, Kadena leaders join for smart operations course

Airmen from both Yokota and Kadena air bases came together as part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century senior leader's course Sept. 20 and 21AFSO21 is a standardized approach by which Airmen break down a day-to-day process into individual steps to determine more efficient ways of

Yokota, Misawa commanders stop incoming PCS moves

Permanent-change-of-station moves to Yokota and Misawa air bases are currently delayed in the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami that caused catastrophic damage to locations throughout the country.Wing commanders at both bases have issued stop-movement directives that affect military PCS moves,

Yokota's air traffic controllers manage influx of aircraft for Operation Tomodachi

Yokota's Hazmat team gears up for training

A hazardous material response exercise here April 30 provided refresher training for some firefighters, while providing the setting for several others to earn a national certification. The exercise scenario involved a simulated rail car with a leak in the valve head on top of it. The exercise was a

Yokota's pest control

The role of entomology Airmen is far reaching; from performing disease vector surveillance to providing pest control services for insects and wildlife at Yokota Air Base, these Airmen utilize both preventative and immediate response maintenance practices to ensure that facilities remain pest free.

'You either win or you learn': A tale of resilience

Mariah Johnson, a value-added tax officer with the 52nd Force Support Squadron, took the first step to making the sport of jiujitsu her own Feb. 20, when she entered her first competition.

Young Airman excels, learns at Wake Island

Super Typhoon Ioke left Wake Island in shambles. The Category 5 storm raged through the atoll Aug. 31, demolishing buildings and tossing around anything that wasn't bolted down -- and many things that were. Assessing the damage includes some repair work, and it's a mission that calls for the most

Young Airman prepares for his first deployment

Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, he may not have many years under his flak vest but he made a choice few make ... to serve and defend his country. Airman Samuel Martinek, part of the 35th Security Forces Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, is preparing for his upcoming deployment.

Young Airmen protect base, people

Cops. They are everywhere -- on the flightline, on the roadways, at the entry control points, in the search pits. They work the beat on base and beyond -- and take their role supporting the war on terrorism seriously.“The most important thing we must (do) is to remain focused,” said Master Sgt.

Young athletes learn teamwork, leadership at ProCamp

More than 100 children swarmed onto one of the base's football fields for a free National Football League ProCamp, July 16 and 17.

Young girl's curiosity of science leads to becoming first African-American woman in space

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, going from a small town in Alabama to miles above the surface of the earth required a few stops along the way for Dr. Mae Jemison, who was the first African American woman accepted to the NASA astronaut program.Born Oct. 17, 1956,

Young girl's love of flying leads to history-making missions in space

As a young child, Eileen Collins loved to sit with her dad in the family car and watch airplanes take off and land. The roar of the powerful engines and the grace of the aircraft as they seemed to float in the air always held excitement and enchantment for the young daughter of Irish immigrants.That

Young Iraqi burn victim progressing well

Since 3-year-old Al Amreeki left Balad Air Base, Iraq, with more than 45 percent of his body burned from a stove fire at his home, he has come a long way due to treatment from Airmen and medics throughout the world.The young boy's uncle brought him to the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq Jan. 25,

Young Iraqis arrive at Ramstein

Eighteen Iraqi children are now receiving long-awaited medical care from the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, thanks to the help of the U. S. Air Force.The children, ages 6 months to 16 years, arrived here Oct. 6 on a C-141 Starlifter from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., out of Baghdad International

Young man's dream tour causes 'ripple effect'

When a rock hits the calm surface of a pond, ripples form and travel outward in expanding circles. The story begins with a 14 year old and his dream -- a goal of overcoming his health problems and flying for the Air Force. The boy, Ryan Penne of Chico, Calif., stepped into dreamland last year at

Young people capable of much responsibility

With historical aircraft flying overhead, and the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial nearby, one World War II veteran said that no matter how irresponsible young people today may sometimes seem, it has been shown they can step up and shoulder a burden much greater than themselves. Russell Neatrour,

Young pilot sets Air Force standard

When Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said "every Airman is an innovator" he was talking about Airmen like Capt. Kyle Alderman. What was once considered the young pilot's "pet-project" has now become the Air Force standard. Alderman consolidated multiple map displays including killbox keypads,

Youngest maintainer at Red Flag launches America’s youngest jet

The future belongs to the young. Airman 1st Class Nathan Kosters, the youngest F-35A Lightning II crew chief in the 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, was born in 1996. “The Macerana” was No. 1 on the charts, “Independence Day” topped the box office and the F-16 Fighting Falcon had already been flying

Youngstown Airmen take part in oil spill cleanup

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft and crews from here are spraying oil-dispersing agents as part of an effort to clean up the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.More than 40 reservists from the Air Force Reserve Command's 910th Airlift Wing are operating out of Stennis International Airport, Miss.

Youngstown ARS in Ohio selected as next Air Force Reserve location to receive C-130Js

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, as the preferred location to replace its eight C-130Hs with eight C-130Js.

Your eyes, ears essential to fight terrorism

You're having a conversation with a group of people and you hear something that you perceive to be highly unusual or threatening or you see a car parked nearby that doesn't belong. You get the feeling that something isn't quite right.Don't hesitate to let security forces or Air Force Office of

'Your Guardians of Freedom' site set to scale down

Budget constraints and contract services reductions have forced officials  to make changes to the "Your Guardians of Freedom" Web site starting Oct 1. The Web site enables Air Force members to order pins for employers of activated Guardsmen (E pin), parents (P pin) and spouses (S pin). Pin

'Your life is our business'

In the shadows behind every aircrew stands a life support team. These Airmen typically don’t seek the limelight. Instead, they want all “their” aircrews to come home safely. The role of life support is significant for many reasons, said Staff Sgt. Jessica McCormick, a KC-135 Stratotanker life

Youth center goes global

Children at the youth center here are going global -- the old-fashioned way.In a world of e-mail, modems and ever-changing technology, the center's “Journey Around the World” club gives its members the chance to make friends with others their age who live on Air Force bases worldwide, by simply

Youth claim 'Bowl by Mail' trophies

Air Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the winners of the annual Bowl by Mail tournament.Bowl by Mail is a worldwide youth-bowling competition that allows children ages 5 through 18 to compete against others their age, but with a slight twist -- it is done via e-mail or postal

Youth encouraged to 'Get Up, Get Out and Get Fit'

Air Force Airman and Family Services officials will challenge thousands of children of ages from across the Air Force to 'Get Up, Get Out and Get Fit' as the seventh year of FitFactor kicks off with the Worldwide Day of Play Sept 24."We're proud to continue the FitFactor initiative and encourage

Youth Service Medal recognizes children's sacrifices

When servicemembers deploy, they aren't the only ones who serve. Their families serve also, and usually the separation is hardest on the children. Homecomings are joyous moments for military families, but until recently, the service and sacrifice made by the children of deployed troops went largely

Youth summer camps offer engagement, growth

The Air Force Services Activity, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, manages many programs designed specifically for kids, to include a variety of summer camps – both residential and at home station.

You've got a friend

Tech. Sgt. Terrance Butler shares his hat with a Bulgarian child April 2. Butler is currently assigned to the 409th Air Expeditionary Group at Camp Sarafovo, Bulgaria. More than 40 children from two orphanages in nearby Burgas toured the camp and entertained the deployed troops. (U.S. Air Force

Zabul governor: Unite in peace for Afghanistan, for the world

Nearly 200 village elders, children and Zabul provincial government officials gathered Sept. 21 to celebrate the United Nations' Day of Peace. "I hope this day of peace can be maintained in Afghanistan," said Zabul provincial Governor Delbar Jan Arman. "There should be an end to the misery in our

Zabul team combats malnutrition, unsafe water

Zarqawi air strike shows aerial flexibility, general says

The attack that killed Abu Musab al-Zarqawi demonstrates the flexibility that air assets give commanders, officials here said. Brig. Gen. Stephen Hoog, an air planner with Multinational Force Iraq, gave a timeline of the operation that resulted in the death June 7 of the most wanted terrorist in

Zelda's tower

For 35 years, Zelda Montoya has stood in her tower, overlooking flightlines around the world and guiding aircraft to and from home. To her, the sky is not made up of fleecy clouds and endless expanses of blue, but rather lines, grids and waypoints.

Zero tolerance for sexual assault

The Air Force Academy superintendent restated Feb. 21 that there is "zero tolerance" for sexual assault at the academy and in the Air Force at large."Any and all perpetrators will be brought to justice and disciplined appropriately," said Lt. Gen. John Dallager. "Such reprehensible action is

Zeroing in

Zeroing weapons, increasing defenders’ lethality

The 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron participated in firing live rounds for the first time in nearly four years at Al Dhafra Air Base, March 8.

Zettler: People first in reconstituting force

As the dust of Operation Iraqi Freedom settles, the Air Force installations and logistics community is turning its attention to the challenge that lies ahead: readying the service for the next big contingency.Replenishing the materiel and equipment reserved for wartime use, rebuilding the munitions