Team Yokota,
It is with great sorrow that we offer our condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, colleagues and wingmen of GUNDAM-22, the Yokota-based CV-22 involved in the mishap on 29 November. We have lost eight incredible Airmen, six from our Yokota family, and their tragic passing is a profound loss to our entire community.
These eight members were dedicated Airmen who excelled in every role they assumed. We have heard story after story about the impact each made as consummate professionals, trusted experts, and good friends. Together with our partners from Kadena Air Base and Air Force Special Operations Command, we mourn them and we dedicate this time to honoring their memories.
If you are struggling, please reach out. If you see someone struggling, encourage them to seek help. The Emergency Family Assistance Center will remain open 24 hours through the weekend to for anyone in need.
Even after the EFAC stands down, we will continue to offer valuable resources across the installation. Helping agencies are abundant, ready, and available to assist.
Our sincerest thanks go to the joint and multinational teams who have worked tirelessly in support of search and recovery efforts. We are especially grateful to our Japanese partners for the critical work they have done to help recover our Airmen.
Additionally, we are beyond grateful for our Yokota community. The way you have rallied around each other, in the spirit of friendship and unity, is truly heartwarming. The selfless commitment shown by individuals across Team Yokota has kept this community strong through this incredibly difficult time. That, along with the many resources offered through our support agencies, gives us confidence that we can brace each other through anything. For those who are working long hours, volunteering, or even lending a sympathetic ear…thank you.
It is particularly poignant in December, as many plan for the holiday season, that we talk of our community supporting one another. The holiday season brings people together, reminds us to enjoy one another, and to lift each other up. Please use this season and all that people have planned to bring strength and support to those hurting. It is truly our united community that holds each of us up individually.
Moving forward, as we highlight and appreciate excellence across the wing and installation, we will continue to do everything we can for the friends and families impacted by this incident. Our dedication to making a positive impact remains unwavering, whether it is here within our gates or dropping bundles of hope during Operation Christmas Drop with our international partners. As we navigate through these difficult moments and enter the Holiday season, let us remember the spirit of compassion that unites us. Together, we can make a difference and bring light to those who need it most--here and across the Pacific.
Thank you all again for the work you’ve done and the work you continue to do in support of this community.
Sincerely,
Col. Andrew L. Roddan, Commander, 374th Airlift Wing
Chief Master Sgt. Jerry J. Dunn, Command Chief, 374th Airlift Wing
Available resources:
Emergency Family Assistance Center: Military and Family Readiness Center
- Bldg. 535, DSN 225-1030 or 042-507-6548
Yokota Air Base Mental Health Services
- Between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm, visit the second floor of Bldg. 1585 in the east side annex near the fire station.
- Outside of these hours, on-call services are available by visiting urgent care at the 374th Medical Group.
Chaplain corps
- DSN 225-7009 or +81-42-507-6550
Military Crisis Line
- Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255