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Living in Japan can be relatively expensive, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees are authorized a post allowance that helps offset added expenses.
Ensure you have all necessary documentation (e.g. PCS orders, area clearance, passports, and shot records). It is also recommended that you have enough Yen for phone calls, food, or local transportation if needed (e.g. taxis with on-base privileges). Typically, 50,000 yen ($500) is sufficient for the first several weeks on island.
Kadena will only offer 90-day loaner furniture to PCSing personnel that are authorized full personal household goods shipment. Major appliances are offered for the duration of tour for all accompanied Air Force personnel who are authorized to reside in off-base community housing. Yellow Box operates a furniture store on Camp Foster; however, the selection is limited. Furnishings off base can be expensive and many of the items are not manufactured in US sizes. Lamps are especially expensive and hard to find.
Because there is no unaccompanied housing for E-5s and above, full JFTR is authorized for personnel meeting this criteria.
The following are prohibited and should not be shipped or imported: firearms, illegal drugs, Vicks nasal inhalers, cough syrups containing codeine, pornographic materials, (e.g. videos, movies, books, etc.), and knives (other than kitchen knives) with blades over 2 1/2 inches.
Passports and Visas
Military/Family members PCSing to an overseas location are required an official/no-fee passport, visa and/or SOFA stamp in order to travel to the overseas location. Family members PCSing to the States are required to have a no-fee passport or tourist passport or U.S. visa if dependent is non U.S. Citizen. NOTE: Members who do not have the required passports/visas in hand prior to final out-processing are not authorized to final out-process and depart. Family members who do not have the required passport or visa are not authorized to depart with the member. Members must send copy of orders CONUS/OCONUS and DoD ID number to 718FSS.MPS.PassportMatters@us.af.mil to be signed off.
Members WITH dependent(s) must send the following: copy of PCS orders, dependent(s) passport(s) & VISA information to 718FSS.MPS.PassportMatters@us.af.mil. For any questions, please email the base passport office @ DSN: 632-0446/632-0447.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Passport information can be found at www.travel.state.gov
Please refer to FCG for (1) Passport, (2) Visa, and (3) non-U.S. Citizen requirements. The Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG): https://apacs.milcloud.mil/fcg/fcg.cfm
Operating from the largest U.S. installation in the Asia-Pacific region, the 18th Wing defends United States and Japanese mutual interests by providing a responsive staging and operational air base with integrated, deployable, forward-based airpower. Strategy used to employ this mission centers around a force of 81 combat-ready fighter, air refueling, airborne warning and control and search and rescue aircraft.
Kadena AB's history dates back to just before the U.S. invasion of Okinawa on April 1945, when a local construction firm completed a small airfield named Yara Hikojo near the island's village of Kadena. The airfield, used by Japanese war planes, was one of the first targets of the U.S. 10th Army and was captured just hours after American troops stormed the island. What the Americans captured was nothing more than a 4,600 foot strip of badly-damaged coral runway. Army engineers quickly made repairs and by nightfall the same day, the runway could accept emergency landings. Eight days later, and after some six inches of coral were added, the airfield was declared operational and put into immediate service. By August 1945, an additional runway was built and the original runway lengthened and improved to accommodate bombers. Kadena Air Base was born. For more on Kadena's history visit the installation's https://www.kadena.af.mil/About-Us/History/Kadena-Air-Base-History/ .
Nearly 18,000 Americans and more than 4,000 Japanese employees and contractors make up Team Kadena. There are 13 major installations on Okinawa. Kadena itself is sprawled across some 4,900 acres with an adjoining munitions area of 6,300 acres.
1.4 million people in Okinawa, 123 million residents in Japan
Kadena AB is located in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa is a semi-tropical island located between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Given the extensive tourism, cultural and historical sites, pristine ocean and beaches, live entertainment, parks and restaurants, most people find that Kadena is the best tour of their career! If you need information, the base operator's telephone number is 011-81-98-961-1110 or DSN 315-634-1110.
https://www.kadena.af.mil
Okinawa is located southwest of mainland Japan, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea. The nearest commercial airport is Naha International Airport located in the city of Naha, located off of Highway 58.
From the AMC Terminal
The military contracted flight "The Patriot Express" lands at Kadena AB's AMC flight terminal. If you are traveling with pets, your pets can be directly picked up at the baggage claim section once you de-board the plane. Your sponsor should meet you at the AMC Terminal to transport you to the Shogun Inn registration desk.
If you arrive after hours, you may call DSN: 315-645-8888 or COMM: 098-970-8888 for a taxi on base. Please follow the prompts after dialing the number. Option 8 is for taxi service on Kadena AB.
USO Facility at the AMC Terminal
The USO Family Lounge is located at the AMC Terminal. Hours are dependent upon Patriot Express Arrival and Departure. The lounge is located in the outbound section of the AMC Terminal. The following services are offered: free Skype calls to the U.S., free Wi-Fi, free computer use, free coffee, sodas, and snacks. Please contact the USO Kadena by Gate 2 at DSN 634-5097 for more information.
Directions from Naha International Airport
Naha International is the commercial airport where you will arrive if you are not flying on the military contracted flight. Naha International is located approximately 45 minutes to 1 and 1/2 hours from Kadena AB depending upon traffic. It is very important you coordinate transportation arrangements with your sponsor prior to arriving in Okinawa as there is not Shuttle Service from Naha to Kadena Air Base.
Taxi Service
Taxi service is a transportation option you can use. Commercial taxi service is also available to Kadena AB for approximately 5,000 yen ($50 equivalent). Please be certain the taxi is labeled "on-base" access or you will not be able to enter the installation. Most taxi drivers accept yen only, some accept card.
Pets
If you are arriving in the domestic terminal and are traveling with pets, your pets can be directly picked up at the baggage claim section once you de-board the plane. If you are arriving in the international terminal with pets, you will need to proceed to the Quarantine section to process your pets into the country.
How to Contact Kadena
If you were routed through mainland Japan, you will arrive at the domestic terminal. Once in Naha, the Naha International terminal has a DSN line available at the Information Booth dial 634-1110. Download the Kadena Connect App on your cell phone to find all this information and more.
http://www.kadena.af.mil/newcomers
Most individuals without personal transportation utilize taxis. Ensure if you use a taxi, that the words "Authorized on Base" are clearly painted on the rear of the vehicle. Taxis without this marking are not permitted on military installations. To call for a taxi, please dial DSN: 315-645-8888 and follow the prompts. Car rental is also available in Bldg. 219 Monday thru Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Please call COMM: 098-970-8888 for car rental information.
Please be advised that there are no on-base buses or on-base bus routes. Once arrived on Kadena, newcomers are encouraged to coordinate with their sponsor to ensure that the sponsor can provide transportation until the newcomer secures a SOFA drivers license and vehicle.
COMM: 011-81-98-961-1110 or DSN 634-1110.
Calling a Kadena AB DSN number from cell:
1) Dial 011-81-98-938-1111 from a stateside cell number or 098-938-1111 from a Japanese cell number then you will hear a dial tone
2) Dial the 7-digit DSN