Misawa adventure program sets new frontier for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  A group of Airmen set out into the wilderness to explore northern Japan. Their outdoor excursion tested the physical limits of some, showing them a side of the country they hadn't seen without "breaking the bank" in the process.

The 35th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation hosts Pacific Air Forces Command's Ultimate Airman Adventure program for trips such as this, introducing first-term Airmen to a variety of outdoor recreational activities at little or no costs.

"PACAF Command Services provides the funding to make this program possible," said Ronald Stark, an Outdoor Recreation program coordinator for the 35th FSS.

He led a group of 18 Airmen up a Hokkoda mountain ropeway May 22, and at 3,400 feet, hiked several miles to even higher summits along the mountain range. The retired Army veteran, who has worked for Outdoor Recreation for 11 years, said this is the second year Misawa is able to offer the UAA program for its Airmen. The all-day trip to the volcanic mountain range was the first of several planned throughout the summer, lasting until mid-September.

"We want to introduce the Airmen to similar trips we have available and open to everyone," said Mr. Stark. "This is just one more great program we have to get Airmen to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun."

The hook that attracts many Airmen to the program is the often unbeatable price, added Mr. Stark.

"The Airmen who attended this year's first trip got to go on a hike absolutely free that would normally cost $55," he added. "Not all of the outdoor excursions are free, but Airmen will still be able to travel while saving money. We were able to arrange some discounted trips at about 50 percent."

First-term Airmen, whose within their first committed contract, qualify for trips in the UAA program. Each venue has a limited number of seats for those who register themselves early.

Although feeling the burn in their calves and quadriceps after their first UAA trip, one Airmen from the 301st Intelligence Squadron Misawa Security Operations Center is excited about the next opportunity.

"Free events such as this really seals the deal as far as a deciding factor of whether or not I want to go," said Airman 1st Class Brian Mays II, 301st IS MSOC software engineer. "Not having to spend an arm and a leg to get out and do something this fun was great."

The climb along the mountain range was not a first for Airman Mays, who with experience on tougher terrain, didn't find the hike difficult. Although intended for a group new to hiking, the trek up the mountain wasn't easy for everyone, he said.

For his co-worker, MSOC signals analyst Airman 1st Class Longinos Soto, it was his first time on a mountain and a once and a life time experience for him.

"The view was amazing," Airman Soto said. "I have hiked in the hills of Oklahoma, but that hike and seeing the crater of a dormant volcano was something I will never forget.

"A lot of Airmen just stay in their rooms and play video games or watch movies," he added. "They are missing out on experiencing of Japan."

Some upcoming UAA trips these, along with other first-term Airmen, may have the opportunity to go on include a kayaking tour, a paragliding adventure and a deep-sea fishing trip.

Outdoor Recreation also supplies some equipment for the UAA excursions, such as backpacks, kayaks and life vests, which are free for those who want to see a bit of what the country has to offer.

"Many people pay thousands of dollars to spend one week in Japan," said Airman Soto." I love it here and will get out as much as possible.