Just got orders to Kadena AFB, Japan. Anyone there/been there that would mind answering some questions for me?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 11:25:56 -0500

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 3 at 2016 1:07 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:07:15 -0500

I was last there 31 years ago, so my info is old but some things probably never change.

-If you are not SCUBA qualified, get so while you are there. Great diving there.
-Chicken Yakisoba with yellow mustard is the perfect end to an evening of liberty.
-Don't miss the bullfights.
-Make friends with Okinawans away from the bars and clubs, they will show you a lot about Okinawan culture and welcome you if you are respectful and curious.
-Yes the Japanese Police can easily stomp a mud hole in your fanny if you ask for it.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Dec 3 at 2016 1:28 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:28:52 -0500

I was there a couple times passing through on the way to Korea. Didn't stick around very long but what I really remember to most was the number of whole units of Maines heading to Vietnam. There were also many Army guys heading to Nam and I was on my way back to Korea. It was a very busy place back in the 60's.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 3 at 2016 2:19 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 14:19:05 -0500

Okinawa is more anti-US than it has ever been. So expect an onerous in-brief on what your behavior WILL BE off base. It isn't the best example of what the rest of Japan is like. That said, the duty, location, and variety of stuff to do surpasses many other locations. Best thing to do is enjoy learning about being a guest in some other country. First advice, drink alcohol on base only until you get your sea legs. Japanese culture hates boisterous behavior. Always be respectful and polite.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Dec 3 at 2016 11:33 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 23:33:09 -0500

Between PCS and TDY, close to 10 years Time on Station

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 6:09 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 06:09:02 -0500

I was just there 5 years ago. It was my favorite assignment thus far. If you're not scuba certified, get it when you get there. It's cheap and some of the best diving in the world is right off the coast. Stay away from "Gate 2 Street" (at least when I was there) and eat CoCo Curry's atleast once a week. Venture down towards Naha and eat at the Garlic House (yes, every dish has garlic in it, it's amazing). Kadena has decent housing on post (if you're married). Other than that, enjoy the island and get out as often as you can, there is plenty to do there so take full advantage of it! Believe me I wish I would've done more when I was there.

Response by MSgt Devon Saunders made Dec 6 at 2016 3:18 PM

MSgt Devon Saunders — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:18:05 -0500

I was stationed there 3 different times. I just retired from there this year. What do you wanna know?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2016 5:47 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 17:47:27 -0500

it was my first assignment waaaaaay back in 2000. Wish I could give some relevant info on it but im sure ALOT has changed since then. good luck and enjoy!

Response by Sgt Mark Ramos made Dec 11 at 2016 11:34 AM

Sgt Mark Ramos — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 11:34:55 -0500

I was there 30 years ago but some things never change. Try to learn some Japanese. We had University of Maryland extension classes on Kadena. I took some classes in the evening, then practiced in a local coffee house afterwards. At that time, locals loved getting their pictures taken with us. A little language skills and courtesy go a long way. A motorcycle is a great way to explore the island. Don't be shy, check out their memorial parks, attend their festivals, and try their food. It will be a blast.

Response by Maj Scott Vandiver made Dec 16 at 2016 6:58 PM

Maj Scott Vandiver — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 18:58:15 -0500

I was stationed there 2.5 years...left in 2001. Really enjoyed it. Great opportunity to get an education with the University of Maryland Asian Division there. Enjoyed the food, culture and historical things there. Overall was a good assignment...you might get island fever and want to take a hop a time or two.

Response by SGT Bobby F. made Dec 20 at 2016 11:45 AM

SGT Bobby F. — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 11:45:25 -0500

I just left in 2015, stationed at Kadena for 3 years. Ask anything you'd like!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 5:46 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 05:46:27 -0500

I looooved Kadena I was there for 3 years what's your questions