Check-in Procedures

Arriving at Kadena AB

Air Mobility Command's Patriot Express departs Seattle on Thursday morning and arrives at Kadena Air Base on Friday afternoon. You should be met by your sponsor or a member of your new unit at the Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal.

Please keep your sponsor informed of your flight plans to include date, time and place of arrival.

In the event you are not met by your sponsor, and you arrive on-base after hours at the AMC Terminal, you can dial 99-939-1660 for an authorized on base taxi to the Shogun Inn Main Billeting Office, Building 332. Service counter DSN 632-6487 Commercial 011-81-98-961-3784 or 011-81-98-962-6487 or E-Mail: 733ams.space-available@us.af.mil.

If you arrive at Naha International Airport and you need assistance, there is a courtesy phone with DSN access. Please ask the attendants at the Information Counter after you have picked up your baggage for assistance and location of the phone. It is strongly encouraged that you and your sponsor coordinate arrival information so that you can be picked up by your sponsor.

Commercial authorized on base taxi service is also available to Kadena AB with an approximate cost of $50.00 which is reimbursable. Download the Kadena Connect App on your cellphone for this information and more.

Temporary lodging is offered at the Shogun Inn, Main Billeting Office, Building 332. Please ensure you or your sponsor make reservations for a temporary lodging facility as soon as you have a port call. To make reservations, please call DSN 315-632-1100/1101. Cost for on-base quarters is based on accommodation assignments, not rank. Non-availability statements and numbers are issued when on-base quarters or contract quarters are unavailable. Your sponsor may obtain a list of off-base hotels and rates from the front desk at the Shogun Inn. Families going through a permanent change of station are authorized a maximum of 30 days in the TLFs. Unaccompanied personnel E5 and below will reside in the dormitories. Members should FAX or e-mail a copy of their orders to their sponsor so a dorm room may be reserved. If dorm rooms are available, billeting will not be authorized.

Please note: Pets are authorized to stay at the Shogun Inn if pet rooms are available. Contact your sponsor for assistance if traveling with pets.

To have command sponsorship, family members moving to Kadena Air Base must have completed an overseas travel clearance and must be listed on the sponsor's official PCS orders or amendments. Family members not on official orders can only enter the country on a 90 day tourist visa. Family members that are not command sponsored do not have privileges to use base facilities, including the Exchange, Commissary, base housing, and base schools. Family members must be command sponsored in order for the sponsor to receive financial and housing benefits associated with an "accompanied" status.

Military Personnel Section In-processing

Upon arrival, all new members, airman basic through colonel, must report to their commander's support staff on the first duty day after arrival. Service members will check in with their respective unit upon arrival and need to bring the following items: Out-processing package from previous base and one copy of PCS orders and amendments, if applicable First Term Airman will be scheduled for the First-Term Airman Center at this time.

Newcomers' Orientation

Within 24 hours of arrival, personnel must report to their commander's support staff office for in-processing. You will also be required to attend 18 Wing  Newcomer's Orientation. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3009, all first duty station airmen must attend FTAC. Accompanied airmen should be allowed a sufficient amount of time to settle in and accomplish house hunting prior to attending FTAC. FTAC is located in Building 3445 and may be reached at DSN 315-632-7829. The Newcomer's Orientation is held on Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. excluding Family Days/Holidays with sign-in/registration at 8:45-9:20 a.m. for everyone at the Schilling Community Center, Building 455.   Any questions with Newcomer's Orientation brief, please reach out to Military and Family Readiness Center at 315-634-3366.

Coordinate with your sponsor to ensure transportation and your attendance at these very important orientations. You will be welcomed by base agencies who will provide helpful in-processing information and resources to ensure a smooth relocation to Kadena Air Base.

The Status of Forces Agreement driver's permit test can be obtained from the Kadena Air Base homepage at https://www.kadena.af.mil/Agencies/Pass-and-Registration/. Scroll down to schedule an appointment for "SOFA Operator's Permit." Please note that individuals who are obtaining a SOFA permit for the first time or renewing a SOFA permit that has been expired for more than 30 days will be required to take the test in person. Please be advised that we will not disseminate any SOFA tests after 1530. You must have a valid stateside or international driver's license, orders, and Department of Defense Identification Card.