Q1: When does the A/C get turned on in base housing?
A1: The AC setting is now on. From May 1st until August 31st units will have dual capabilities. Meaning units will be able to choose between heat and A/C. You can only choose one function. All thermostats must be on either AC or Heat.
Q2: Why does my thermostat stay at 72 degrees when in cool mode?
A2: Misawa is proud to prioritize energy conservation. Keeping thermostats at similar temperatures also helps prevent damage to the HVAC equipment.
The settings are set by CE seasonally and you can only use your system in either AC (snowflake symbol) or Heat mode (sun symbol) and Fan mode (fan blade symbol). You cannot use AC in one room and heat in another room, if you attempt to use both heat and ac at the same time, your system will automatically default to “fan” mode.
If this happens, you will need to turn off all thermostats, wait 5 minutes, then turn them on, then place thermostats to either AC, heat or fan mode. If attempts are made to bypass the system, the control system will "centrally lock" and you will not have control of your system.
If you have any questions, please contact Housing Management or visit their Facebook page.
Q3: Can there be a designated bulk trash area on base for PCS move outs? The only answer for trash is to leave it on the curve until bulk pick-up day.
A3: The Housing Office is working with the Housing Community Planning Team to create bulk pick up locations and eliminate the curbside pickup. They recently visited multiple areas and assessed that Misawa Housing Community bulk pick-up is a trending concern. Establishing bulk trash pick area changes requires some logistical planning… such as establishing, and advertising new bulk pick up locations.
Until the new bulk pick locations are established, some things to help reduce the amount of trash on curbs is to plan ahead. Do not wait until the week of your final inspection to start disposing items. Many items can be disposed of prior to final inspection.
Bulk pick items are picked up at various times of the week depending on the location of your housing unit. Bulk pick-up dates can be found in the Misawa Housing Brochure or by contacting the Housing Facilities Section at DSN 226-9966.
We also understand there may be cleaning supplies that cannot be placed on the curb due to crows ripping bags open, but the Housing Inspectors allow other items such as brooms and hoses to be placed on curb without failing your inspection.
Q1: What are some ways that young Airmen can gain mentorship outside of their unit?
A1: There are a variety of resources on base that can get you in touch with mentors.
The Misawa First Four is a great networking opportunity for Airman E-1-E-4 to connect with other Airman as well as frontline supervisors.
They have mentorship-focused and other events put on/hosted by NCOs and SNCOs in a variety of work centers that allow you to ask any questions you may have and get one-on-one advice and guidance.
There are also a variety of PES (Professional Enhancement Seminars) at all levels that can provide valuable mentorship from members outside of your career fields. These seminars are held at the PDC!
Q2: As an active duty member what are some of the things I need to do to begin my education?
A2: The education center on base is a great place to start! For active duty, there are some requirements that need to be met in order to ensure you are eligible to start school and receive TA benefits.
Talk to your frontline supervisors about beginning your educational goals and ensure your AFVEC account is up to date.
Any delinquent/non-current items on your PIF may hinder your ability to take classes/receive TA
Call the education center today at 226-4201 or email them at misawaeducationoffice@us.af.mil
Q1: Where can I go on base to print photographs?
A2: The Arts and Crafts center (bldg. 1006, bay 2), the Arts and Crafts skills center (bldg. 645), and the BX across from Einstein bagels all have kiosks where you can go to print your photos.
You can also visit the 35th Force Support Squadron’s Print Shop to print photos, or design and print several custom items like large posters, flyers, brochures, business cards, stickers, banners and more.
Check them out at www.35fss.com
Q2: Why is the base gym doing 100% ID checks?
A2: Patronage of Force Support facilities and other Air Force MWR programs are outlined in AFI 34-101. ID checks are how we ensure our facilities are not being abused by unauthorized users, which further ensures their availability and longevity for authorized users such as our US and Japanese service members, civilian employees, and dependents.
Q3: When will PT test start being run outside again?
A3: The normal timeline to start outdoor testing begins in April, but weather conditions at any time may cause test locations to be moved indoors. HAMR shuttle tests are taken at the same time year-round on Tuesdays 1 p.m.
For more information you can call the FAC at 226-2727.
Q4: Is there a way to move the Flyers Food Truck on North Base to the “NB shoppette” so it’s more accessible?
A4: Unfortunately, we cannot legally move the Flyers food truck near AAFES-owned locations. We are actively trying to find way to make the NB shoppette area a functional community space where basic shopping needs can be met. Hopefully, we can see some progress soon!
Q5: The weather is starting to turn rainy and will soon turn to snow in a few months; where can we run indoors when there is inclement weather?
A5: We are currently renovating the Wesel's Den, so until that is completed, there are no indoor running tracks available. There are treadmills, ellipticals, stairmasters, bikes, and more available at Potter Fitness Center and Freedom Fitness Center for cardio use. Please use these until we get the Wesel’s Den back up and running again. (The 1.5 mile run portion of the PT Test during inclement weather will be conducted in hanger 949 as mission allows)
Q1: Where can I exchange my Japanese Yen into American dollars?
A1: Community Bank offers exchange services for military/ DOD and their family members. Just bring your military/DOD ID and they will create a quick profile for you and then are able to make the exchange. This can be Yen to Dollars or vice versa as well as smaller Yen to larger Yen.
Q2: What is the off-base mask policy?
A2: This was addressed in the 23 March 2023 update to the Misawa AB COVID Directive that can be found on the base website.
Children ages 6 years and below are not required to wear a mask.
All other personnel should follow host nation policies and practices regarding mask wear.
The Government of Japan has largely left mask wear up to the individual. However, businesses can still require you to wear one. It is encouraged that you carry a mask with you in case you are required to wear one whether you decide to wear a mask off base or not while off base.
Q3: What are some places where I can learn Japanese?
A3: There are a variety of resources on and off base that provide Japanese lessons/classes. On base resources include classes at the Airman and Family Readiness Center and some of the on-base colleges. Off base, Michinoku International Japanese Education Center and the Misawa International Center also have classes of all sizes and skill levels.
Q4: I have no signal inside my home on base; is there anything being done to improve the cell phone reception across base?
A4: I’m right there with you. I wish I could say the base can just build a bunch of towers everywhere, but we can’t. AFI governs what can and can’t be built on a military installation and what funding would pay for it. Ultimately, it is up to the private cell phone providers to build more or closer towers to help with signal strength across base.
Q1: I missed road tax week, where can I go to get it done now?
A1: If you missed road tax last week, you could get it taken care of by going through the company you get your car insurance or City Hall. Once you get the road tax certificate, please stop by the Pass & Registration office with your other vehicle documents for a quick review. After everything is reviewed you can get the new base decal to put on your windshield.
Q2: I heard that A2D2 now drives off base, is this true?
A2: Yes! A huge shout out for our Airmen against Drunk Driving volunteers. They now provide rides on and off base for people who need assistance in getting home safely Friday or Saturday nights from 2200 to 0100.
Q3: Where did Lucky’s Insurance on base go?
A3: Lucky’s Insurance is now located in bldg. 653 in room 126, right next to the Pass and ID office! This should make transferring car insurance during PCS season, road tax sticker purchase, and many other services much easier for the Misawa community!
Q4: The snow has been giving my car some real issues, is there an on base resource that can help me out if I get stuck?
A4: The auto hobby shop offers towing at different rates for different zones (distances from base). Auto hobby will tow anywhere from on base all the way to Hachinohe port and Noheji Town! Call 0176-77-4654 and put it in your phone so you have it in case of emergency!
We also have a great group of volunteers called the Misawa Off-Road Recovery that help to get vehicles unstuck when an unfortunate situation occurs on or off-base!
Q5: How do I sell my car in the lemon lot?
A5: PCS season is here, and as we are gaining and losing personnel, we see an influx of usage for the Personal Owned Vehicle Lot that is next to the gas station. If you are looking to sell your POV, you’ll need to go to the Auto Hobby Center in bldg. 767 with the proper paperwork and register it there before you can list your car on the base lot. There is more information on the 35 FSS website under ‘Force Support -> Auto Hobby Center -> POV Resale Lot.’ Any vehicle not registered with the Auto Hobby Shop will be towed off the lot.
Q1: Why do I get charged more than what I paid for at Flyers?
A1: There are signs in Flyers that state that a percentage will be charged that is higher than the amount paid. This is due to the card system that is used. Your charges on your statement should read ”pending”. Once finalized the correct charge including tip amount should go through. If you have any trouble, please contact Flyers management.
Q2: Can we have a barber shop that is open before 1000? It is hard to find good times to get a haircut when I work during their hours of operation.
A2: The current hours of the of the on-base barber are 1000-1800. It does seem to be very busy during lunchtime and after 1630. We can look into the reasoning for the hours and see if there is an ability to flex.
Q3: When will we get a base theater to see current movies?
A3: The base had a movie theater for quite some time that was run by AAFEES. Unfortunately, the building that was the movie theater sustained structural damage some time ago and the cost of repairing or demolishing it is out of their budget.
The Community Commons had a program called Cinema Saturdays where they would show movies for free. However, that has been discontinued due to low participation. But they are getting ready to gear up for a new movie experience, “Movies on the Lawn!” They will start that program once the weather cools down, hopefully sometime next month.
Q4: How can I give feedback to AAFES?
A4: First I would like to thank our AAFES staff for always being open to feedback and serving the community with the needs of the community in mind. There is a link available that is like ICE comments that personnel can use to give feedback directly to the AAFES staff.
Q5: Why did the barber shop change management and staff? Will there be a quicker timeframe for the barber shop?
A5: The management in the barber shop did change recently. There are always growing pains with change and the barber shop is open to feedback as well. If you are having trouble finding a time that works to get a haircut there are shops off-base and even HBBs in the community that are also available and flexible to any schedule.
Q6: Are we able to get a separate internet service provider than Allied Telesis? It feels like I don’t have a choice in where I live and also the kind of internet service I have to pay for.
A6: Before we answer this question, we want to say that we do not endorse either service and we are simply informing our base population of services and options available to on-base residents.
Starlink in now available for on-base residents. This was a recent change and gives our on-base residents a different choice in their internet provider. If you have questions or need additional details please contact our installation spectrum manager, TSgt Ethan Epperson in the Comm Squadron.
Q1: Where can I find the status of space available appointments for the day?
A1: The 35th Medical Group has a very active Facebook page where they post daily the space available appointments broken down by specialty clinic. Please look either there at 35th Medical Group – Misawa Air Base on Facebook and call the appointment line at 226-6111.
Q1: Where can I get passport photos for babies?
A1: The Public Affairs office takes Official No-fee passport photos on a walk-in basis every on Friday from 0930-1530. They are located in building 507, room 133. Once the photos are taken the PA office will print them and hand deliver them to the Passport Office on the next duty day after the photos are taken. They only support Official Passport photography requirements. Tourist passports photos can be acquired in the photo booth at the Exchange food court by Subway or call FSS Marketing at 226-9272.
Q2: Will I need to find childcare for the weekend during the exercise?
Q2: We are aware that the CDC and SAC programs do not have childcare readily available on the weekends and due to this, there will be pause EX on the weekends so that members of the Misawa community can take care of their children. During the week, regular childcare will still be available to those that are currently enrolled.
Q3: What resources are available on base if I haven’t completed my taxes yet?
A3: Military One Source is a great tool that provides service members with resources to file their taxes with tax experts. The M&FRC also provides tax preparation workshops, the last one being held on Monday, March 13th from 11 a.m. to noon. To reach the M&FRC, call 226-4735 or 0176-77-4735.
Q4: What is there to do for kids during the Summer?
A4: There are a lot of programs on base keep kids active in the Summer! Registration for youth out-door soccer starts on June 30th. The Walmsley Bowling Center has free bowling for youth to sign up for. The base Chapel has Vacation Bible School starting at the end of the month. The Overstreet Memorial Library has several classes and resources to keep kids entertained all summer long. The Himberg Pool offers family nights every Friday and swim lessons. That is in addition to all of the parks and play areas across the base for families to use in the various housing areas.
Q5: Is there a way to continuously have spousal preference in the hiring process for the entirety of your assignment in Misawa?
A5: Thank you for bringing up an spouse employment as it is an important concern here in Misawa and directly affects the morale and readiness of Team Misawa. The hiring process currently allows dependents to use spousal preference when applying to positions around base, once. I understand that because of different circumstances, most spouses settle for positions that are lower that what they are qualified for due to availability.ØThis has been brought to Mrs. Rupp, when she was visiting Misawa in early August. We will see what we have control over and what we can affect.
Q1: When can we expect to see cherry blossoms in Misawa?
A1: Being that we are much farther north than the majority of Japan, our cherry blossoms bloom much later! Expect to see first bloom approximately mid-April! Look out for ITT trips that take the stress out of planning to experience the cherry blossoms throughout the Tohoku region!
Q2: If I want to get a tourist passport, how long will it take to get here?
A2: The Misawa passport office has done a great job supporting our local community. Expect anywhere from 4-6 weeks to receive your passport after all paperwork has been processed and sent off. The passport office will notify you by email to pick up your passport when it is available.
Do you have a question for the commander? If you have a problem or concern, he wants to hear about it. Please submit your question to 35fw.pa@us.af.mil.
