Yokota Air Base, Japan --
Yokota is unique in many ways, not only is it in the heart
of Japan but the mission requires three airframes. On Feb. 3, 2017 the last
scheduled spouse orientation flight on an active duty C-130H took place, giving
military spouses a chance to walk in their military counterparts boots.
The flights offered to the spouses included circling around
Mt. Fuji in a C-130H, a helicopter flight around down town Tokyo in a UH-1N
Iroquois or a trip around central Japan in a C-12 Huron. In addition to flying
in various aircraft, the spouses could explore static aircraft and aircraft
maintenance displays.
These flights offer a way for the Air Force to give
something back to the families that sacrifice so much for the military.
“The families do so much to help the mission that is not
recognized,” said Maj. Drew R. Skovran 374th Operations Support Squadron
assistant director of operations officer. “They don’t sign up for the military
lifestyle but still have to live it and this is a small token of thanks we can
give back to them.”
Not only are spouse flights a chance to give back to the
families that support the Air Force, but also a chance for the families to
experience what their military counterparts do day to day. This can help the
families understand why the Air Force mission requires so much from military
members and their families.
According to Skovran, understanding why missions are driven the
way they are or why aircraft need to be maintained so often may help ease some
of the difficulties families deal with in military life.
“We get to see what our spouses go through,” said Megan
Rivera, participant in the 374th Operations Group Spouse Orientation Flight. “I
see why it takes so much to maintain these planes and understand why they have
to work so many hours.”
For approximately 190 Yokota spouses the experience they
gained will never be forgotten.
“Flying with the
cargo door open and seeing Mt. Fuji was absolutely beautiful,” said Rivera. “It
was my favorite part of the flight and was one of the most unique experiences
of my life.”