Colonel Mark Mouw, head of G3, met us at entrance of Fifth Air Force's building. After taking memorial photo there, we moved to conference room to receive "Updated Briefing of 5th Air Force", headquarters staffs attended this briefing. 5AF/CC and 5AF/CV would join our visit by original plan, but they couldn't do because of their business trip for attending commander meeting. So Col. Mouw acted as commander's representation.
Col.Mouw expressed welcoming words at first and we introduced each others. Then USAF explained us "Status of 5th Air Force". The interesting issue in this briefing is that PACAF organizes "Kenny Hq (tentative name)" at Hickam AB, Hawaii. It is said that this headquarters would be sent to battle front and controls combat forces there in wartime. Name of the headquarters is from Gen. George C.Kenny who was 5AF/CC in Pacific War.
From 11:00 AM, Col.Doug Kreulen, 374 AW/CV guided us for base tour, he explained about major base facilities included airport area. About 50 years past since Yokota AB was opened, old facilities' deterioration is so conspicuous. So many facilities are under reconstruction and under improvement. In this tour, Colonel pointed the importance of Yokota AB for hub function of air transportation. And we heard the interesting story that C-130 pilots of JASDF got training about anti-SAM maneuvering flight at Yokota AB before deploying to IRAQ.
At officers club on base, we had luncheon with Col.Mouw and other VIP of Yokota. After this, we went to AFN (Armed Forces Network) broadcasting station which is located at the west part of base, there we could see sophisticated TV & radio broadcasting equipment which are connected with worldwide network.
Next we visited "Air Force Inn" which was lately completed, it's more gorgeous than former VOQ. We observed 730 AMS (Air Mobility Squadron) last,.this is the core of material distribution of Yokota AB, they work by turns for 12 hours. And they contract with Japanese companies for land transportation in Japan if it's effective.
After the tour, we departed Yokota AB with seeing off by Col. Mouw. We appreciate USAF's warmest support for our visiting to Yokota AB.. (Reported by secretariat Murata)
