A Fresh Start

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. Mark Hicks, 374th Airlift Wing commander, says a few words at the opening ceremony of the new Professional Development Center Jan. 12. The new building offers bigger classrooms, more amenities, and a better location for students. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Sean Martin)

A Fresh Start

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A formation of enlisted Airmen recite the Airman's Creed Dec. 12 during the opening ceremony of the Professional Development Center. The new building offers bigger classrooms, more amenities, and a better location for students. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Sean Martin)

A Fresh Start

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- (from left to right) Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Caro, 374th Airlift Wing command chief, Master Sgt Thaddeus Brannon, Airman Leadership School career assistance advisor, Col. Rafael Quezada, 374th Mission Support Group commander, Yasuya Nakazono, Director of Procurement Division and North Kanto Defense Bureau, Col. Mark Hicks 374th Airlift Wing commander, Master Sgt. Nanette Klingaman, Airman Leadership School commandant, Catheren Gill, Chief of Engineering and construction, United States Army Core of Engineers, and Louis Van De Mark, director of the 374th Force Support Squadron cut a ribbon that represents the offcial opening of the new Professional Development Center Dec. 12. The new building offers bigger classrooms, more amenities, and a better location for students. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Sean Martin)

Professional Development Center Grand Opening

Published Jan. 19, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AB, Japan -- The 374th Force Support Squadron opened the new Professional Development Center here on Jan. 12 as part of the 2005 Defense Policy Review Initiative.

The massive undertaking for this building started in 2002 with a desire to integrate the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the facilities throughout Yokota. The PDC is the first facility to be rebuilt under this program.

The JASDF agreed to supply Yokota with a new facility in exchange for demolishing the pre-existing building in order to make room for a facility for JASDF personnel.

"The building itself is a brilliant piece of workmanship," said Col. Mark Hicks, 374th Airlift Wing commander, in his opening speech.

Master Sgt. Nanette Klingaman, 374th Force Support Squadron's Airman Leadership School commandant, says she feels overwhelmed to be a part of a $5 million project.

"I never imagined I would have the opportunity to make a difference in other peoples' lives," said Sergeant Klingaman.

The new PDC went from being a one-story building with two classrooms to a two-story facility with six classrooms.

"I can supervise and lead more airmen through, having more space for bigger class capacity," said Sergeant Klingaman.

The new building offers bigger classrooms that comfortably fit up to 30 people, room for new desks and book cases and provide more light with the extra window space installed.

"Leadership development [and] mentoring education at all levels is the absolute bedrock on which we develop and maintain the greatest Air Force in the world," said Col. Hicks.

Sergeant Klingaman said the new facility brings in better ideals, allows everyone to work as a team and makes sure they provide quality service to the airmen that are processing through.

"Our job is to supply customers with 100 percent top notch service," said Sergeant Klingaman. "The airmen are our customers."