Rock On!

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Omari Bernard
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  After two years of construction and the demolition of the previous club, the new and modernized Rocker Enlisted Club opened its doors to the public May 4, 2018, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

The club carries on the legacy and part of the namesake of the previous facility and continues to be a staple of Kadena for service members and their families dating back to t he original construction in 1957.

The new $47 million club complex, that was completely self-funded through non-appropriated funds, features an intricate design honoring enlisted heritage while paying homage to the host nation of Japan through its architectural and interior designs that were inspired by the asanoha kimono floral print. The staff that worked at the previous rocker continue to work there today.

“We’re here to serve the military community, the public and their guests with high quality entertainment, services and food,” said Aaron Feinberg, Rocker Enlisted Club manager. “At the new club we have a staff of approximately 100 personnel, the majority of which are veteran staff that have been here for decades. We are very proud of our team.”

The Rocker Enlisted Club now features two restaurants and a cafe – Kazoku Place, Hanabi’s and Daily Grind Coffee Shop with free Wi-Fi. It also features multiple entertainment facilities such as the Rocker Lounge, a ballroom with a maximum capacity of up to 800 people, and a game room with more than 80 entertainment slot machines.

The previous Rocker NCO Club was a popular spot on Kadena used for an assortment of events from the Air Force Ball to late-night parties, and the new Rocker carries on the mantle with live entertainment, special programming and holiday buffets.

"Were excited to have the Rocker Enlisted Club reborn,” Feinberg said. “There’s a lot of heritage in this facility, with the old Rocker NCO club opening up in 1957. We ran that facility for more than 60 years and here we are today, continuing a legacy and serving with honor.”