New Airmen's Center opens doors

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airman Christopher Jensen, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Col. RC Craig, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, and Col. David Stilwell, 35th FW commander, operate race and flight simulators Dec. 3 at the Airmen's Center. Dozens of service members of all ranks came out to support the event and take a peek at the new center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jamal D. Sutter)

New Airmen's Center opens doors

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airman 1st Class Zachary Weiss and Airman 1st Class Andrew Ash, both of the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, become among the first to play a game of air hockey at the new Airmen's Center Dec.3. The new center has been under construction since November 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jamal D. Sutter)

New Airmen's Center opens doors

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander, cuts the ribbon Dec. 3 commemorating the opening of the Airmen's Center. The center is open to enlisted members of all services E-4 and below and houses state-of-the-art equipment to include 21 big-screen televisions, three lounge areas, a 32-foot dance floor and much more. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jamal D. Sutter)

New Airmen's Center opens doors

Published Dec. 2, 2009
By Senior Airman Jamal Sutter
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- As of Dec. 4, junior enlisted service members will have a new place to spend time with friends, study and meet new people.

Doors to the Misawa Air Base Airmen's Center officially opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 3.

Although the ceremony was followed by an open house, as of the following day, the center will only be open to enlisted members of all services E-4 and below.

The center, which received nearly $770,000 in renovations, has been under construction since November 2008, said Ms. Ammie O'Grady, Airmen's Center director. The facility received repairs to the restrooms, floors and wall tiles. A drop-down ceiling over the computer area and a reception counter were included, along with upgrades to the heating, ventilation, electrical and fire alarm systems.

The Airmen's Center provides three lounge areas, computer and gaming systems, a Las Vegas style casino area, a 32-foot dance floor, big screen televisions and a 16-by-9 projection screen.

"It is really nice," said Alicia Salviejo, 35th Force Support Squadron recreation specialist. "I was surprised at how big it was. Everything you can get off base is here and maybe even more."

The state-of-the-art facility offers service members a comfortable and secure environment without leaving base, Ms. O'Grady explained. Being only walking distance from the dorms, service members can safely get home, helping further reduce the risk of alcohol related incidents.

To help jump-start a strong following, there will be a series of events held at the center in the coming weeks, she added. Some of those activities include DJ and casino nights, battle of the bands competitions, movie marathons and various game tournaments.

To celebrate the grand opening, the Airmen's Center will have activities available Dec. 4 starting 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.