KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — An airman assigned to the 18th Wing was found dead in his dormitory room Tuesday, a base spokesman said.

The airman’s name, age, unit and other identifying information was withheld pending notification of his family. The cause of death is under investigation.

Ed Gulick, spokesman for the 18th Wing, said more information will be released as it becomes available.

35th Fighter Wing in large training exerciseMISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Base residents can expect some inconveniences over the next week as the 35th Fighter Wing conducts its largest training exercise in two years, according to Air Force officials.

There will be minor delays at the base gates, and some facilities will have minimum staffing due to the eight-day Operational Readiness Exercise that was to begin Wednesday, said Maj. Wesley Hales, chief of wing inspections.

The exercise will combine two simulated phases: deploying people from Misawa to a contingency location and conducting operations once they arrive, according to Hales. Due to extended flying hours, pilots are able to fly as late as 2 a.m.

Hales said the exercise won’t affect students getting to and from school.

Cars from U.S. valid for Japan ‘clunkers’ creditIf you’re stationed in Japan and are in the market for a new car, you’re eligible for the Japanese version of a “cash-for-clunkers” stimulus program discount.

Since Jan. 19, the discounts are also valid for cars imported from the United States, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

To be eligible, you must trade in a car that you’ve owned for more than a year and that is at least 13 years old, for a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. The discount is 250,000 yen — about $2,780 — for a typical vehicle and 125,000 yen — about $1,380 — for a compact car.

The program is scheduled to last through March, though a six-month extension is expected to be approved by the Japanese government.

Former PACOM leader moves to Hawaii postTOKYO — Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Tom, the former chief of staff for the U.S. Pacific Command, will assume command Friday of the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, according to a military news release.

Tom will replace Navy Rear Adm. Donna L. Crisp, who will end her 35-year career with the military. During Crisp’s two-year command, JPAC conducted more than 135 recovery and investigation missions and identified about 170 missing Americans, according to the release.

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