Okuma Recreation Facility provides affordable R&R opportunities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Where can servicemembers, civilians and their families go on Okinawa to unwind and recharge for the weekend? 

The Okuma Recreation Facility, run by Kadena Air Base, is located in the northern part of Okinawa and offers outdoor sports and activities and a relaxing environment at affordable rates. 

"We offer a chance for the military member and their family to get away from the daily grind and unwind," said David Harris, Detachment 1 Okuma Recreation Facility deputy commander. "We have beautiful beaches, affordable lodging and possibly the best food on island." 

The resort offers a variety of activities for both families and single adults, ranging from camping and scuba diving to go-kart racing and parasailing. The resort even has a nine-hole golf course. 

According to Mr. Harris, Okuma staff members work year-long to maintain a high-level of customer service worthy of their clientele. 

"Folks who sign-on for this career field understand it's always service before self," said Mr. Harris, who has worked with recreation services, including Morale, Welfare and Recreation, for 20 years. "Our staff members, both military and civilian, are very close-knit. They share the challenges and enjoy the successes together." 

This positive atmosphere benefits the customer, said Capt. Kenneth Marshall, Det. 1 Okuma Recreation Facility commander. 

"Our military members, no longer under the constraints of working in just one career field, have the opportunity to see the support side of the house," said Capt. Marshall. "We may have medical technicians patrolling the facility with our security forces members or we may have security forces members helping to plan a holiday event." 

Civilians employees also add to the spirit of teamwork at Okuma. 

"Our civilians and Okinawan staff members are involved with our day-to-day operations, working alongside our military members," the detachment commander said. "This combination offers a recreational site that gives new meaning to regenerating Airmen." 

The main focus of the Okuma staff is to provide great recreational opportunities for Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines. 

"People work hard throughout the week, so they deserve a place to go where they can relax and recharge for the next work week." said Master Sgt. Adonis Martinez, Det. 1 Okuma recreation Facility operations superintendent. "We want to make sure we provide the best recreation services to our military community as well as the local community." 

Many changes and improvements have been made around the resort over the years, but it's only the beginning, said Mr. Harris. 

"We're hoping to make more improvements here at Okuma, maybe replace some of our aging buildings," the detachment deputy commander said. "Basically, we're taking the money people spend here and putting it back into Okuma." 

Okuma is open to all SOFA status personnel on Okinawa. Reservations can be made by calling 631-2300 or 631-1850 or by e-mailing Okuma Reservations at okuma@18services.com. For more information, visit http://www.kadenaservices.com/okuma.