Yokota welcomes Japanese Imperial Army veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Tama Army Airfield, now Yokota Air Base; 374th Airlift Wing leadership welcomed a group of Japanese Imperial Army veterans and former employees from the original base.

The visitors spent the day reminiscing on the five years they spent at Tama Army Airfield, before it became known as Yokota Air Base in 1945, and provided an opportunity for all involved to thank one another for their contributions to the U.S.- Japan alliance. 

"70 years ago our peoples were locked in a great struggle, warriors fought, but the fruits of that war were cooperation and an alliance which has built two of the greatest economies the world has ever known," said Col. Otto Feather, 374th AW commander. "Many times today you are going to see signs that say United States Air Force, but truly this is our Air Force, this is our base, and it is through our collective efforts that we have been able to maintain peace in this part of the world."

The guests included two Japanese Imperial Army veterans as well as several former employees, who remember when the base first opened its gates.

"They were employed by the United States Army Air Force at the end of the war and helped build Yokota Air Base into what it is today," said Col. Christopher Mardis, 374th Maintenance Group commander.  "Many of them were also the founding members of what became Yokota Air Base."

92 year old Tadao Ito, a former Japanese Imperial Army maintenance commander who was able to tour the actual hangar he used to work in said, "I think American people, American government, American forces have made a great contribution to maintaining the peace of the world since World War II."

During lunch many of the visitors told stories about the era and how many of them had to go without things like nice clothes or good shoes in an effort to support the war.

"If it hadn't been for that era, we wouldn't have the basis for the friendship that we have today," said Colonel Mardis. "It was a time of great struggle for numerous nations and out of that conflict came a new found appreciation for and the value of peace and friendship that is formed after countries, once enemies, learn to work together to build peace."

It's that lasting friendship that has been the basis for our partnership with Japan.

"We are very blessed to have the legacy that you built for us today, and for 65 years we have worked diligently together to make this air base what it is today," Colonel Feather said .