Welcome Aboard to Tactical Operations Center Kadena!
Welcome to life in Okinawa, Japan. These are truly exciting times and you will be challenged and rewarded during your assignment. First step is to obtain a sponsor. Please email the TOC KADENA Sponsor Coordinator to do so:
M-OK-TOCKADENACOMMANDSPONSORCOORDINATOR@US.NAVY.MIL
Note that initial temporary lodging will be coordinated between you and your sponsor well in advance before arriving, and a CNA will can be granted by NGIS if required.
The following information is provided to help ensure your smooth transition to Okinawa, Japan.
Communicate frequently with your sponsor and use the updated information provided. It is strongly recommended that you visit the nearest Fleet & Family services center and obtain current information about Okinawa, Japan from the websites below. With this information and your sponsor's assistance, your transfer will be a smooth one.
The following sites are available via the internet with information for: Base maps, Airman & Family Readiness Center, Child Development Center, Family Child Care, Pet kennel, School Age Program, Kadena Schilling Center, Fitness Center, Dining Facilities, Spousal Employment, and Hotel Accommodations.
https://kadenafss.com (Kadena Air Base information)
MyPCS (Get your Move started)
http://www.tricare.mil/ (Adjust your TriCare information)
Okinawa Prefecture is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. It’s comprised of more than 160 islands south of mainland Japan, scattered in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean. The island itself is 67 miles long and varies from 2-17 miles wide. It is Japan’s only subtropical region, with many diverse and precious ecosystems and unique topography. We are situated on Okinawa’s main island where their prefectural capital, Naha, is located. Recreational facilities abound on and off base for off-duty enjoyment and, of course, living in Japan is a very unique experience in itself so remember that we represent the U.S. while we are stationed in Japan, and should act as such when exploring this beautiful Island and visiting the mainland of Japan.
PETS: Please be advised that Japan has very strict pet importing standards. If you have not started the process of preparing your pet please visit the link below to learn more.
https://cnic.navy.mil/ (Pet Relocation Assistance)
The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) has radically revised its procedures for importing pets. These rules apply specifically to dogs and cats. Other rules apply for more exotic pets. Process will take at least seven (7) months from the date of the first rabies vaccination, so advanced planning is critical. There are no exceptions and that animals which have not met all requirements will have to be quarantined upon arrival until all are met.
The procedure is outlined at the AQS website:
HTTP://WWW.MAFFAQS.GO.JP/ENGLISH/RYOKO/BA.HTM
Furthermore, pets are not allowed to quarantine in government lodging and you will not get a CNA solely based on needing to quarantine your pet.
Privately owned vehicles (POV) including motorcycles, have shipment restrictions in Japan. It is strongly recommended to have your vehicle stored in CONUS and to purchase a used vehicle here in Japan. Contact your Personal Property and Household Goods office for verification. Additionally, please be sure to track the status of your household goods shipment online at: MyPCS
WEATHER ADVISORY: Okinawa has a humid subtropical climate, gloriously long summers, and mild winters. Summer is long, but the seasons are diverse and each has its own charms, from whale watching in winter and vibrant Hari festivals in spring, to Sagaribana flowers in summer and cultural events like the Naha Tug of War in autumn. In Okinawa, the summers are hot, oppressive, wet, and overcast; the winters are cool and mostly clear; and it is mildly windy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 57°F to 89°F and rarely deviates. Note that from the months of June to November Okinawa enters their Typhoon season, of which two or three ever come close to the island. Please visit the link provided for all weather related information while in Okinawa to stay up to date and informed in the event you plan to go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, or any other outdoor related activity to keep yourself and your families and friends safe.
https://www.kadena.af.mil/ (Kadena AFB Weather Forecast and Information)
MEDICATION GUIDELINES: There are restrictions on traveling into Japan with medications. Certain over-the-counter medications commonly used in the U.S. are prohibited in Japan (ex: Sudafed, Vick inhalers, Codeine cough medications). In addition, prescription medications in quantities larger than a month supply and/or certain classes (psychotropics, narcotics) require permission from the Government of Japan (GOJ) and specific documentation. For additional information, visit the following link:
https://jp.usembassy.gov/ (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan importing-medication)
Congratulations on your orders and welcome to the CTF-72 team, we look forward to welcoming you to the TOC KADENA family.