Kadena AMC terminal reopens after $2 million renovation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Morgan Cowle
  • 733rd Air Mobility Squadron
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 733rd Air Mobility Squadron conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony March 11 to celebrate the completion of a $2 million renovation of its AMC Passenger Terminal. To see the video story, click here.

The renovation project, orchestrated by Kadena's 718th Civil Engineer Squadron, 18th Contracting Squadron and 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, began in August 2006 and was completed Feb. 18.

"The first impression families get coming to Kadena is what they see when they get off the rotator," said Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander. "This sets the attitude that no matter where you go on Kadena, you will get great service and get taken care of and that is extremely important."

In addition to the cosmetic upgrades, the facility offers more comfortable seating and American Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms. The terminal still offers a children's play area for waiting families, an ATM machine and an AAFES eatery and business center with free commercial internet access and DSN fax service for customer convenience. There are also seven new flight information display monitors.

"We did a lot of work improving this old facility, from upgrading fire suppression systems to cosmetics and other modifications," said Col. Richard Jarvis, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander.

"These kind of events are highlights in the engineering business," added Colonel Jarvis. "Our engineers put blood, sweat and tears in, making sure to support the mission that the 733rd has here."

While the main terminal was closed for renovations, all arriving and departing passengers were processed out of the arrival terminal.

Despite the challenge of operating out of only one terminal, the 733rd AMS was able to move over 70,000 passengers on 5,844 missions without a single delay, helping the squadron earn the prestigious 2008 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing "Global Reach" Award and the 2008 515th AMOW "Commanders" Trophy for best Pacific En Route Squadron, as well as the 2008 515th AMOW "Best Large Terminal" Award.

This represents the Airmen of the 733rd as the best in the Pacific, said Col. Timothy Bush, 733rd AMS commander.

"I don't have to worry one second that the mission is going to get done because I have leaders out on the flightline," he added.

For more information or questions regarding AMC travel, please call the passenger terminal at DSN 634-0153.