Patriot Express option available for Misawa VAD members -- Read and act now!

  • Published
  • By 35th Fighter Wing
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  PATRIOT EXPRESS FLIGHTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MISAWA VAD RETURNEES, READ BELOW AND ACT NOW!

The following information is intended for eligible family members who participated in the voluntary departure program from Misawa Air Base, Japan. It may not be applicable to families who left Japan from locations other than Misawa. (Check with your sponsor's command for base-specific information.)

The Department of Defense ended the voluntary departure authorization 15 April, allowing the return of family members who left Japan under this program. Affected families should know the following:

1. DoD has secured additional contract aircraft to provide transportation to Misawa (i.e., "Patriot Express.") To catch the PE, you will need to fly commercially to Seattle, WA, where the PE will then fly you directly to Misawa.

2. DoD has partnered with CarlsonWagonlit/Sato Travel (CWTSato) to provide travel arrangements and ticketing support through commercial airlines. Travelers will need to provide a completed Japan Repatriation Form and a copy of their orders to the following TWO EMAIL ADDRESSES in order to complete their reservations. Email both documents to japan@cwtsatotravel.com AND misawavadreservations@misawa.af.mil. The form is available at: http://www.5af.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110416-010.xls. On the repatriation form, the blocks "Destination Airport" and "Final Destination" MUST BE MISAWA. (Your orders may be a DD from 1610 or a Misawa-specific document.)

Ensure your email identifies you as a Misawa VAD returnee. Make sure it also includes your Safe Haven location and contact information. EMAIL IS THE PRIMARY METHOD OF SUBMITTING YOUR INFORMATION TO BOTH CWTSato and 35th LRS. Those without email access may call CWTSato at CONUS: 1-855-794-4926, or OCONUS: 210-877-6828. 35th LRS will forward your PE reservation to CWTSato, who will reply to you with your COMMERCIAL travel reservations w/in 72 hrs. It is important that you act NOW to secure your reservations!

For those who have already booked commercial flights and want to make an adjustment to fly on the PE, follow the same process as above, being clear to mention your intent to change your old reservation to the new PE flight.

DO NOT ACCEPT TICKETS THAT DO NOT LIST MISAWA AS THE FINAL DESTINATION! The Shinkansen (bullet train) is not fully operational from Tokyo to Misawa, and the main road between the two cities is not open. Travelers who pass through Tokyo or another city MUST have CONFIRMED follow-on travel to Misawa or risk being stranded.

3. Share your travel itinerary with your sponsor/unit. Carry their contact information while in transit, providing updates when able. (Your sponsor's unit will be required to confirm your receipt of the above information.)

4. An Operation Pacific Homecoming frequently-asked-questions list is available online at www.misawa.af.mil and the 35th Fighter Wing & AFN-Misawa Facebook pages. Still, family members should route questions through their sponsor/home unit. Alternately, contact the 35 Fighter Wing Command Post (24/7) by dialing 011-81-176-77-9899. Email 35FW.CP@misawa.af.mil. (Do not contact the command post with reservations inquiries.)

This information is subject to change. Misawa Air Base appreciates your flexibility as we work to reunite families as soon as possible.