The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Legion Hall Okinawa military alumni

I was stationed at Futema in 78-79, but spent a lot of time at Kadena. I was with MWHS1 working on C-117s. We also had a couple of p!anes (small jets, T-39's maybe) at Kadena. My buddy was the duty driver, and he had to go over there most days. He would plan his trips for lunch time or the end of the day and I would go along if I could. The chow was a lot better there than Futema.

I enjoyed my time at Okinawa, have thought about going back to see what it's like now days.

We did, too! But I have a Marine brother (retired) who's there now as a DoN Civilian (base housing director?? for Camp Butler). He says it's not nearly the same as it was 30 years ago, let alone before that. Too built up. More people. We wouldn't recognize it.

Oh well. Probably best to just stick with our happy memories.

Being there during the "reversion" to Japanese control in 1972 was "interesting"- - - -especially the night 200+ American owned cars got burned during the riots in Koza City. They were easy to spot, since DOD people ran yellow license plates and local citizens' plates were white.

Did the owners get reimbursed by DOD???

Don't remember- - - - -probably not. After that little dustup, all the local workers at base facilities like the BX, the Commissary, snack bars, NCO club, base laundry, etc. got fired by the base commander, and USAF dependents were hired to take their place. The whole mess was provoked over a demand to compute the dollar to yen conversion of wages at an inflated rate, 360 yen to the dollar instead of the 300 rate that was used everywhere else on the island. The locals lost big time, as they went from 300 to zero when they lost their jobs.

During the riot, my friend who managed the USAF police arms room "lost" several thousand rounds of .45 ACP ammo left over from Korean war days, stuff that hadn't been inventoried in years. Since the Army MP's still carried 1911 pistols after the USAF went to .38 Special revolvers, the guys patrolling the streets in Jeeps with M-60 machine guns on swivel mounts appreciated having plenty of sidearm ammo they didn't have to account for. It's surprising how a few near misses with 230 grain hardball will take the fun out of rioting and vandalism.
Jerry

I was at Kadena from 86 to 90 with the 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron working in Repair and Reclamation. Worked on F15 C/D and the RF4C acft systems like flight controls, throttles, landing gear and canopies. We also provided Crash Response for the Base. Best assignment of my career but a ridiculous tempo. My wife wanted to stay for another 3 years but I was ready to go. Took a vote with the kids and they sided with me. We left in Sept of 90 and went to Largely where I retired 8 years later.

Deegs

Breaking the rules here, but - My dad was stationed in Naha, Okinawa in 1956-57 where he met my mom - my oldest brother was born there. Before my senior year of high school in 1977, I was able to visit relatives that summer and remember going to Nago Beach. When I hear you all talk about: Kadena, Futema, Naha,... it brought back memories. I've not been back, but think about going again.

Per HRL and license plates.

SOFA personal vehicle plates either start with a white “Y” (Yankee plate) or or a Yellow plate “A” (small engined KEI cars)