Nineteen JAAGA corporative associate members and eleven individual associate members visited Yokota Air Base on 4th September with escorting by six JAAGA officers.　Mr.Yuzuru Tanaka (corporative) and Mr.Yoshimichi Ogasawara (individual) served as leader and co-leader of this group.　Members and officers got together at JR Fussa station at 9:30a.m., got on USAF bus, were checked at gate and entered base.　From 10:00 a.m. we received briefing on Yokota AB at headquarters of 374th Airlift Wing (374AW).　After Captain Watt (head of public affair of 374AW) welcomed us, Mr.Abe (public affair officer) lectured about base history, status of 374AW and others.　Mr.Abe explained about history of Yokota AB since established as Imperial Army's runway, origin of base name, scale and circumstance of base.　And he interpreted on 374AW's mission, organization, equipment, exercise, and operation.　At the end, he illustrated difference of culture between US and Japan which he experienced.　All associate members were so interested in his explanation, and could understand importance of security alliance between both countries and essential of Yokota AB.
　　Then we moved to apron area to see C-130 cargo plane.　Members listened interestingly detail exposition about C-130 by experienced air crews.
　　From 12 O'clock, we attended luncheon at Yokota Officers Club.　There, Col.John F.Newell �V, (commander of Yokota AB and 374AW) mentioned that "I'm very happy having you today for general orientation tour to Yokota AB..　JAAGA helps understanding of US military presence in Japan.　And I understand that the mutual understanding is key of peace and stability in West Pacific region.　I hope everyone of you learning basic mission of Yokota AB. and understanding of mutual security.　Also I suppose that this meeting create to strengthen friendship.(speech outline)"　Then secretariat Hori and Mr.Tanaka as leader expressed greeting of gratitude to this visiting. 　During one hour luncheon, members asked some questions to USAF airmen and exchanged their opinion each others.　And memento from JAAGA was handed to USAF side at end of luncheon.
　　After luncheon, we called at AFN (American Forces Network) broadcasting facility. There we could have precious experience, like sitting newscaster seat at TV studio and entering on-air radio studio.　After this, we made a visit to730th Air Mobility Squadron (730AMS).　We had welcome greeting word by Col. Mark A.Baker,commander of 730AMS, then we observed waiting room of Yokota air terminal, luggage inspection room, warehouse of freight and cargo loading equipment.　Consequently we had base tour riding in USAF bus.　Public affair person in charge explained us about principal facilities in bus, and guided us to JR Fussa station.　At 15:30, we dispersed our tour group there.
　　This visiting was done with so tight schedule.　Many associate members who live near Yokota AB and had not been able to visit Yokota AB, could visit there and communicate with US soldiers.　It's significance for them to know importance of US-Japan alliance and Yokota AB.　(Reported by secretariat Minamoto)

　

Associate members visit Yokota Air Base