Yokota leadership address base concerns at town hall

The 374th Airlift Wing conducted a town hall at the Taiyo Community Center at Yokota Air Base, Sept. 25.

Town Halls are mass-gatherings for information to be disseminated to an immediate audience and, in this case, allow the community to participate in an open question-and-answer session with base leaders.

This town hall focused on relaying different base facility updates and questions from Team Yokota.

Base Facility Updates and Answers to Questions:

Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC):

• Newcomer’s Orientation has been streamlined into a one-day course and will happen every Wednesday at the M&FRC at 8 a.m. The course was revamped and consolidated so that incoming Airmen have more time to in-process and acclimate upon arrival to Yokota.

Samurai Fitness Center:

• Children aged 12 and up can now be approved for unaccompanied use of the Samurai Fitness Center during hours of operations by attending a Youth Program Orientation. During this orientation, children and parents will sign mandatory paperwork, attend a short briefing and tour the center. If interested, speak with the Samurai Fitness Center front desk staff.
• The zen/meditation room is a new upgrade that is available for use in the Samurai Fitness Center.
• There is new equipment in the parent/child room.

Base Concerns and Questions:

• Team Yokota is encouraged to submit work requests via AF Connect App and to leave Interactive Customer Evaluation, or ICE, comments.
  • The command team will reiterate the expectation to the 374th Airlift Wing customer service organizations to review the feedback provided and respond to comments when requested.
  • Customers are urged to include a name and valid contact information on their comment form for a response back.

• When normal chain of command policies have not been able to resolve your concerns, email the Commander's Action Line at: 374AW.PA.CommandersActionLine@us.af.mil

374th Civil Engineering Squadron:

Q1: Will there be a government contract to fence all of the yards on base? Members are paying almost $2K to put them up personally, straining finances for comfort.

• A1: The local Housing Office and the Wing operate under strict budgetary rules that do not permit local funding for individual fences. However, fencing options are being explored for the entire base, funded centrally by the Air Force. In certain cases, fences can be installed during major renovation projects. For example, a renovation project for east-side housing is currently in its early stages, and fences will likely be incorporated into this larger initiative rather than being installed separately. Please note that the projects being constructed now were planned 8-10 years ago.

Q2: Are there any plans to improve the parking situation at the medical clinic? It seems that there is often a shortage of patient parking space.

• A2: If members experience issues finding parking at the 374th Medical Group, please either submit ICE comments or speak with the staff directly so they can coordinate through their building custodian to submit a work task request through CES’s Customer Service work center.

Q3: Is the contract affecting the north overrun road still on time or will the road be closed longer than last projected? I believe winter of 2025 was the last estimate.

• A3: The construction projects requiring closure of the North Overrun are projected to be completed in summer 2026.

Q4: What's happening in Sakura lane? Are we losing some beloved trees? Many trees are red taped and some were cut down near the school/towers months ago.

• A4: The 374th CES has several tree experts who take into account size, proximity to infrastructure, health of the tree, etc., when making decisions about removing trees. If the risk to infrastructure and or the community requires the removal of a cherry blossom tree, it is then replaced with a new one.

Mold & HVAC:

During the townhall, several questions were asked regarding high-temperature thermostat settings; the energy conservation contract; mold and asbestos concerns in housing. Below are responses from subject-matter experts on base: 

• Humidity control measures must be taken by residents to help reduce mold outbreaks. Simple actions like maintaining cleanliness, clearing air vents, replacing filters regularly, and ensuring proper air circulation prevents mold growth. Housing has mold prevention handouts to help residents be proactive as well as to address small amounts of mold.
• Condensation from vents collect into water droplets that can cause mold on walls or floors. Please remain vigilant in your homes to clear any collecting water. Report service issues, such as collecting water, promptly. Minor problems can escalate into extensive projects.
•  If the maintenance team identifies a failure with the HVAC system, such as maintaining humidity below 60%, they are required to repair it or contact someone within the Energy Savings Performance Contract to resolve the issue. If at any point the maintenance team is not addressing the issue to your satisfaction, we encourage you to reach out to the housing office at 315-225-8636. Please provide the necessary information to identify your residence and the issue. The housing office will then advocate for the necessary corrections or connect you with the appropriate agency to assist.
• Take photos to include when submitting a work request to the 374th CES so they are aware of the severity of the problem. If problems are not resolved, continue to communicate the problems and escalate them through the proper, appropriate channels.
• Asbestos used in adhesives under the tiles that are under your carpet do not pose a threat to your health unless disturbed. Nevertheless, if you feel you are being exposed to asbestos, please contact CES’s customer service line at 315-225-5282 to request a Work Task to address your concern.
• Team Yokota leadership is working on renegotiating the current contract with the electric company on base regarding the default setting of thermostats in order to combat mold and standard of living concerns for all base residents.

Pests:

If pest control is so understaffed and there is such a major roach problem on base, can it be contracted off base?

What’s the plan on the yearly roach infestations? Roach traps & roach bait do nothing. Why not just fumigate homes when they already deal with black mold?

• The pest management team responds to all rodent work tasks as they are received, so it is important that customers report pest issues in a specific area around their homes. For pest problems outside of a dwelling, 374th CES can set poisoned bait- boxes, standard “snap traps” or glue board traps. For customers who don’t want to place a work task, we encourage you to visit our U-Fix-It store in Bldg. 930, near the housing office, open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (excluding federal holidays) for snap traps and glue boards.
• Additionally, the pest management team can furnish traps to customers any time between 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday at Bldg. 1394. We can also provide chemicals for weed control.
• Please use the following numbers to open a Work Task:
  • Work-Force Management DSN: 315-225-5282
  • Calling from a Japan Cell phone: dial 042-552-2510
    • Wait for the prompt and then dial the last 5 digits.

Housing:

Q1: Will military families ever have the opportunity to live off base, especially with all the housing issues on base?

• A1: The current “On Base First” policy is implemented in accordance with the Government Controlled Housing Utilization requirement. The Air Force aims to maximize the utilization of government-controlled housing, with specific occupancy goals set at 98% for Family Housing and 95% for Unaccompanied Housing. Currently, the overall occupancy rate for FH at Yokota is approximately 82-85%. Some families are permitted to reside off-base, if remaining on base presents a hardship. Off-base housing requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q2: We recently had a “renovation inspection” for our West side tower unit. We will be here for 4 more years. are we going to have to relocate?

• A2: Housing is planning on renovating the West-side towers 3001 and 3002, with renovations taking an estimated two years. As residents are relocated, housing is taking all circumstances into consideration, such as workplace location and family size, so that Airmen and families don’t have to continue relocating in the future.

Q3: Housing is handing out citations for mowing yet they’re not upholding their end of the contracting where they are supposed to mow. Yard write ups mean very little if vacant homes are left unattended and have grass at least a couple feet tall. How can we improve the overall housing yard care? Housing gives warnings to overgrown yards but doesn't follow up when the yard still hasn't been cut. Are there no repercussions for these warnings?

• A3: Regarding lawn care:
  • The Housing Office is committed to ensuring that all residents maintain their lawns within the boundaries of housing units. While it’s recognized that some resident lawns are not being properly maintained, it’s also acknowledged that there have been instances where the contracting company has missed areas.
  • Please note that it’s not publicly announced when specific residents are in violation of lawn care standards, nor is it publicly disclosed when the contracting company is held accountable. However, this does not mean that actions are not being taken. In response to concerns about the contracted company’s lawn care maintenance, the housing office is actively working to update the contract to allow for greater control over our areas on base. It’s believed these changes will help reduce instances of inadequate lawncare by the contractor.
  • Feedback is appreciated regarding the contracting company and suggestions are encouraged to help ensure all residents can fulfill their lawn care responsibilities.

Department of Defense Education Command:

We talk about community and are told to make sure we respect the teachers. Is there any plan to have a base emersion or tour for the DODEA teachers? So that they get to see what we do and what they are supporting. this helps them be connected to our community and better understand military families.

• There is an ongoing, diligent effort to bolster community and relationships between the 374th Airlift Wing and the schools on base. To achieve this, the 374th AW has made military resources available to not only students, but also to educators, with subject matter experts from across the installation visiting schools to share knowledge on subjects like resiliency, mental health, and operational security.
• Unique opportunities have been specifically arranged for DoDEA staff to experience military life and showcase the 374th AW mission, and there are many that are currently underway.
• The 374th AW has, and will, continue to recognize teachers and staff at all four of the schools on the installation, with annual programs like the Wing Commanders Award in place to identify exceptional educators that go above and beyond for their school and community.

374th Security Forces Squadron:

Q1: How can we address people parking in assigned spots? Or address people parking in the lot that don’t live in that tower?

• A1: We understand that this is an on-going issue, but Security Forces won’t know someone is in the wrong spot unless we get notified through BDOC when those violations occur, and then our patrols can come out and ticket, if necessary, after making contact with the complainant. Contact the non-emergency number at 225-7227.

Q2: Can we please address the issue of having only one gate open 24/7? It is extremely inconvenient for Yokota residents without a vehicle, on the east side and anyone in TLF.

• A2: Gate hours are dependent on traffic flow and base access requirements in order to accomplish the mission. Although minimizing inconvenience is a priority, available manpower must be focused on mission-critical tasks, limiting the increase of 24/7 gates other than what is currently available.

374th Force Support Squadron:

I’m concerned about the childcare options. More FCC providers have been quitting, especially over the summer. I want my child in FCC but no space.

• In addition to Family Childcare Center, Child and Youth Programs offer available childcare spaces at the Childcare Development Center and School-Age Care programs to meet parent’s immediate childcare needs. Please note childcare species are offers based on priority.
• Yokota Air Base is one of 80 schools to employ the universal pre-kindergarten initiative for the 2024-2025 school year. Universal pre-kindergarten, an initiative set forth by the Department of Defense Education Activity, aims to provide free early childhood education opportunities to children that turned over four years of age on or before Sept. 1. DODEA universal pre-kindergarten helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond by building foundational abilities in subjects like language, literacy and math.
• Lastly, the Community Child Care Coordinator is working diligently to advertise and recruit for more FCC providers to service Team Yokota through marketing events, partnering agency initiatives, information fairs, and job fairs. In addition, specific incentives are also being promoted in the recruitment of new providers. However, recruitment for providers has been challenging as most spouses do not seek employment in childcare.

Defense Commissary Agency:

Q1: Any plans to improve COLA at Yokota given that surrounding bases receive more COLA. Or DECA reduce grocery costs as the commissary prices are high?

• The Defense Commissary Agency is aware of Cost-of-Living Allowance rates for Team Yokota and how it affects family budgeting for groceries, but DeCa strives every day to bring the best selection of products at the best possible savings.
• COLA rates were increased for Japan in June 2024. COLA rates are established by periodic surveys and currency exchange rates. Complete those surveys accurately and to the best of your ability when they are distributed to receive the proper COLA support while being stationed in Japan. See the following link for Japan COLA.
• DeCa is a government agency operating on a budget from appropriated funding and accountable to Congress. DeCa aims at keeping lower grocery costs through the following programs:
  • The Secretary of Defense’s “Taking Care of People” initiative directs that the commissary must save patrons 25% in overall grocery costs when compared to off-base grocery stores near the military installation they reside at, resulting in savings of 25% off total basket price.
  • The Your Everyday Savings, YES, Program carried out in commissaries worldwide, reduces prices on hundreds of popular brands to emphasize the value of your commissary benefit. These items are guaranteed to not go up in price, but may drop in price during promotional periods.
• The Yokota commissary team works alongside industry partners to take advantage of special opportunities for extra savings. This might appear as a weekend special, coupons, sidewalk sales or one-time buys.

Q2: Does DECA have any plans to improve the mold issue (IE dehumidifiers) in the commissary?

•  To combat the mold concern within the commissary, the 374th CES and DeCA field engineers have investigated and worked on solutions to troubleshoot and develop short term, intermediate, and long-term solutions to resolve the issue.
• The first step to solving the issue was identifying the general cause of the issue: the humidity. Dehumidifiers were placed and the affected areas were removed.
• Team Yokota is urged to be patient as the plans are carefully carried out while prioritizing food, patron and employee safety.
• The commissary has been given the green light to reopen the dairy alcove and plans to begin staging the new layout and restock so that the space is up and operable by Monday, Sept. 30.

AAFES:

Will AAFES bring the lower priced gas option to the East side shoppette?

• The suggestion of bringing the lower priced gas option to the East side shoppette will be reviewed with regional leadership.

225-RIDE:

Why doesn’t 225-RIDE update when they aren’t running? I know they work from volunteers, but the Attic and Food Pantry does too and they don’t have this problem

• The 225-RIDE program is a private organization run by volunteers across the base, striving to make our community safer. While it is a fantastic resource, it should not be a primary or secondary transportation plan– it should be the last resort.

Veterinary Resources:

How can we improve staffing at the vet clinic to address the issue of long wait times for sick pet appointments? They seem closed a lot.

• The Veterinary Treatment Facility on Yokota Air Base is managed by Public Health Command-Pacific and does not fall under Yokota’s authority. According to the VTF webpage, although every effort will be made to accommodate your pet, demand for services remains high. The VTF maintains a list of off-base services for your convenience to assist you with selecting another reasonable option for care if they are unavailable.

Medical

Q1: Why is it so difficult to get a dependent dental appointment? I’ve waited 5 months for a partial appt. only to be asked today to reschedule due to a “briefing.”

• A1: Our appointments are booked 2 months in advance. Calling for an appointment on the first of the month generally offers the best availability for routine care.  We also offer walk-in services for dental emergencies. We acknowledge that access is limited.  The population of beneficiaries exceeds the empanelment that the 374th Dental Squadron is manned to support. Priority is given to active-duty dental readiness exams. Generally, 50-75 dental appointments per month are available for dependents. We make every effort to avoid cancellations, but there are situations, during which mission requirements will cause cancellations.  Please utilize our Patient Advocate if you have concerns. 

Q2: What is going to be done about the long waits for mental health? People are waiting months to be seen.

• We continue to have a daily walk-in availability at the Mental Health (MH) Clinic to evaluate for safety concerns, triage and vectoring through the Targeted Care model. 
• The Targeted Care model steers members and their families to the most appropriate service to include: Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC), True North, Chaplains, Military One Source, and unit First Sergeants.  This model increases preventative classes and group therapies potentially available to family members.  We currently have 4 rotating classes at the Primary Care Behavioral Health clinic (PCBH) (open to AD and dependents) to include Sleep Hygiene, Psychological Wellness, Attention and Memory and Chronic Pain.  Anyone can call to sign up for any of these classes.
• We are working with DHA to provide BRAVE remote, telehealth availability within homes located on base (AD and spouses).
• Primary Care Behavioral Health is actively hiring a full-time provider to expand access for both AD and dependents.   
• The Yokota MH clinic is manned to support Active Duty (AD) MH requirements. We refer to resources like BRAVE (DHA Virtual telehealth), TELL and Tokyo Mental Health for dependents. Our quarterly follow-ups with these external referrals and resources identify wait times and if there is a need to redirect new referrals. When dependents screen for high risk of harm to self or others, they are followed in our MH clinic for purposes of stabilization as local resources do not feel comfortable accepting patients at intermediate/high risk.   

Q3: Improve postpartum care for moms. Mental health is booked out and will book you with the option that they think is best, not what mom wants or prefers.

• The New Parent Support Program reviews all initial screeners after completion at OB/GYN and covers areas such as pregnancy issues, mental health (MH), child rearing concerns, and personal/relationship domains.  The Family Advocacy (FAP) Nurse reviews the initial screeners and makes appropriate referrals to local resources. When AD or dependents screen for high risk of harm to self or others, they receive care from a licensed mental health provider for purposes of stabilization and treatment. 
• Additional resources for parenting population include but not limited to:
  • Childbirth classes (2nd Tuesday of the month) led by MSU staff
  • Baby Care Basics/Lactation Consultation (2nd Thursday of the month) led by FAP
  • Partners (previously Dads) 101 (1st Thursday of the month) co-facilitated by FAP and local volunteer Dad
  • Mini Me Meet-up (4th Thursday of the month with exception of November when it will be the 3rd Thursday) This supportive get together started 26 Sept to include new mothers.  The topic is generated by group members with oversight of the Family Advocacy Nurse, 2 MFLACs and IRO to help provide resources, education and/or speaker.     

Q4: Will our medical facility ever be equipped to handle trauma emergencies?

• We stabilize most trauma patients who present to the 374th Medical Group before we transfer them out.  The med group is not a trauma center.  We will stabilize, tirage, and transfer all trauma patients to definitive care. Rarely are we able to keep them in-house due to Air Force manning models which do not provide the necessary specialty services.