Members voluntarily leave Japan in support of Operation Pacific Passage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. (AFNS) --  More than 500 service members, dependants and civil service employees, who voluntarily departed Japan, arrived at Travis Air Force Base March 22 aboard charted military flights in support of Operation Pacific Passage.

U.S. Army North officials along with Travis AFB members activated the Joint Reception Coordination Center and greeted approximately 570 passengers on two flights. More than half of them were children and nearly 40 family pets were also aboard the aircraft.

There were tremendous joint efforts by everyone to make this go as smooth as possible, said Lt. Col. U. L. Armstrong, the acting defense coordinating officer of Region 9, Oakland, and lead officer for U.S Army North here.

"Hats off to all the joint efforts of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. The wing commander here, Col. James Vechery, and his team provided a good detailed plan as we arrived, enabling us to set up quickly and prepare to assist the families," Colonel Armstrong said.

"The Navy, Air Force and Marines provided reservists as well to come here and assist," he said.

Upon arrival, passengers received assistance from Travis AFB officials with lodging, transportation, follow-on travel arrangements and any other personal needs.

"We have planned and postured throughout the weekend preparing for a possible flight," said Col. Robert Eatman, the 60th Mission Support Group commander. "Many of the passengers seemed tired, but they had nothing but good words to say about the teams and the efforts of all the volunteers."

Medical staff from David Grant USAF Medical Center and Naval Air Station Lemoore were on hand throughout the processing stages of the arrival, offering medical care if needed, and more than 100 volunteers were on hand to assist with childcare, luggage and pet care to ease the strain on passengers.

The airlift to Travis AFB is the second U.S. arrival location for these voluntary assisted departure flights after Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has received flights since March 19. 

(Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton contributed to this story)