Massive construction effort under way

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ruth Curfman
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Driving around base it's hard not to notice the several large construction projects in different stages of completion.

Recently, officials in the 374th Mission Support Group decided to take a proactive approach to keep base residents informed on just what's going on behind the walls surrounding construction sites on base by hosting two town-hall meetings. 

The largest project is the relocation of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Air Defense Command headquarters, scheduled to be complete in early 2011, according to Col. Rafael Quezada, 374th MSG commander. 

"Currently this construction stretches across the base because we are not only building a 1.3 million square- foot headquarters building for them, but we are also providing basic needs for more than 850 JASDF personnel," the colonel said.
 
Some of the support facilities being planned include dormitories, dining facilities and a base exchange for the Japanese employees. 
 
Base planners are also addressing traffic congestion concerns brought about because of the increased activity.

"Due to the large increase in Japanese work trucks transiting on and off base we expect some congestion on our streets," said Lt. Col. Nam Shelton, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "We have decided to open the South Gate temporarily to help alleviate some traffic issues, but this gate is only for work trucks and not to be used by people in personally owned vehicles." 

Even though construction is going to be a long process, the commander asks for patience as Yokota will come out a much better place to live in time. Quality of life improvements are not tied only to facilities, said Colonel Quezada. 
 
"This will also help us to increase and strengthen the bilateral relationship we share here," he said. "By being able to live and work directly around our Japanese counterparts, we will each be able to gain a better understanding of each others culture and reinforce our already strong bonds." 

Other significant changes include the opening of Chili's later this summer. Additionally, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Fussa Shoppette and Gas Station is set to open in mid-June and will offer 24 hour service Saturdays and Sundays. 

For more information, tune into Channel 20 or visit www.yokota.af.mil .