Quantcast

Seth Robson

The Misawa community, which includes Misawa Air Base and Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, receive nearly 130 inches of snowfall each year, although as much as 43 inches has fallen in a single day, according to the 35th Operations Support Squadron.<br>Erin Devenberg/U.S. Navy
The Misawa community, which includes Misawa Air Base and Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, receive nearly 130 inches of snowfall each year, although as much as 43 inches has fallen in a single day, according to the 35th Operations Support Squadron.<br>Erin Devenberg/U.S. Navy

Builders finishing up new indoor community space as winter descends on Misawa

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Winter is coming, and the Air Force is expanding indoor community space for troops and families at America’s northernmost military base in the Far East.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

A Japanese Coast Guard ship is seen at sea during a search operation for U.S. Marine refueling plane and fighter jet off Muroto, Kochi prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. <br>Kyodo News/AP
A Japanese Coast Guard ship is seen at sea during a search operation for U.S. Marine refueling plane and fighter jet off Muroto, Kochi prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. <br>Kyodo News/AP

Search continues for five Marines still missing after deadly midair collision near Japan

The downed planes, which launched from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, were conducting “regularly scheduled training,” including aerial refueling, when the accident happening, a Marine Corps statement said.

Two F/A-18D Hornets approach a KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft on Oct. 13, 2016. An F/A-18 jet and a KC-130 refueling aircraft collided on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018.<br>Trever Statz/U.S. Marine Corps
Two F/A-18D Hornets approach a KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft on Oct. 13, 2016. An F/A-18 jet and a KC-130 refueling aircraft collided on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018.<br>Trever Statz/U.S. Marine Corps

One Marine dead, five missing after jet and tanker collide off Japanese coast

One Marine has died, one has been rescued and five are still missing after a collision between a fighter and a refueling plane off the coast of Japan, U.S. and Japanese officials said Thursday.

U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene visit Kadena Air Base, Japan, last month.<br>Kristan Campbell/U.S. Air Force photo
U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene visit Kadena Air Base, Japan, last month.<br>Kristan Campbell/U.S. Air Force photo

Pair of enlisted leaders take over for Greene at US Forces Japan, 5th Air Force

Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene, who had been taking on both roles of senior enlisted leader and command chief, relinquished the roles for Chief Master Sgt. Richard Winegardner Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, respectively.

In the aptly named "Green District" at Sapporo's White Illumination you might run into the Grinch himself. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
In the aptly named "Green District" at Sapporo's White Illumination you might run into the Grinch himself. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Japan’s winter illuminations promise holiday excitement for all ages

There’s electricity in the air during the Christmas season in Japan. Santa’s little helpers have been at work stringing lightbulbs around the city of Sapporo on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido — and many more will light up other Japanese cities in the leadup to the end-of-the-year holidays.

Misawa Air Base director Asako Tuttle tries out an Oculus Rift virtual-reality headset at Makerspace, a new facility at the home of the 35th Fighter Wing devoted to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Misawa Air Base director Asako Tuttle tries out an Oculus Rift virtual-reality headset at Makerspace, a new facility at the home of the 35th Fighter Wing devoted to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Serious about STEM: Misawa library’s new annex lets patrons try out 3D printing, robotics, virtual reality

Makerspace, an annex that opened Nov. 13 at Misawa’s Overstreet Memorial Library, includes $12,000 worth of new gear related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.

Marines stand by while an F-35B Lightning II jet refuels at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018.<br>Laura Gauna/U.S. Marine Corps
Marines stand by while an F-35B Lightning II jet refuels at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018.<br>Laura Gauna/U.S. Marine Corps

F-35B makes stealth fighter’s inaugural landing at Okinawa Marine base

U.S. Forces Japan released a photograph of the aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 — the “Green Knights” — at Futenma on Tuesday.

Motorcyclists from the U.S. military riding community carried a flag through the mountains west of Tokyo on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in memory of Master Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler, 35, who was recently stabbed to death near Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Courtesy of Paul Ticas
Motorcyclists from the U.S. military riding community carried a flag through the mountains west of Tokyo on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in memory of Master Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler, 35, who was recently stabbed to death near Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Courtesy of Paul Ticas

Military motorcyclists ride to honor Yokota airman stabbed to death in Tokyo

The riders gathered Saturday morning at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in memory of Master Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler, 35, who was pronounced dead at a hospital Nov. 9 after being stabbed with a knife at his home just outside Yokota’s east gate in the city of Tachikawa.

Master Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler was stabbed to death at his home near Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Master Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler was stabbed to death at his home near Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Airman stabbed to death near Yokota remembered in emotional ceremony

Fellow airmen recalled Master Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler's service, his love of tattoos and motorcycles, and his adoption of a former military working dog.

Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey wears the then-proposed new service uniform at the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, Dec. 9, 2017.<br>Ron Lee/U.S. Army
Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey wears the then-proposed new service uniform at the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, Dec. 9, 2017.<br>Ron Lee/U.S. Army

Don’t call them 'pinks and greens': Top enlisted soldier says there’s another name for the Army’s new dress uniforms

Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey talked about what the service is calling the retro-style uniform, who'll be wearing it first and more during a stop in Japan.

Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, speaks to U.S. military spouses at the home of U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, speaks to U.S. military spouses at the home of U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Second lady discusses employment challenges with military spouses in Japan

Karen Pence said officials are looking into finding more government jobs that can be done by military spouses from home.

Nicholas Vollweiler, then an Air Force staff sergeant, works with a military working dog during controlled aggression training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 10, 2013. <br>Diana Quinlan/U.S. Navy photo
Nicholas Vollweiler, then an Air Force staff sergeant, works with a military working dog during controlled aggression training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 10, 2013. <br>Diana Quinlan/U.S. Navy photo

Air Force identifies Yokota airman stabbed to death in western Tokyo

Air Force officials have identified an airman stabbed to death Friday outside the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo.

A woman, who identified herself as Aria Saito, was arrested at the scene of a fatal stabbing near Yokota Air Base on suspicion of attempted murder, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesman said Saturday.<br>Screenshot via ANN
A woman, who identified herself as Aria Saito, was arrested at the scene of a fatal stabbing near Yokota Air Base on suspicion of attempted murder, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesman said Saturday.<br>Screenshot via ANN

Japanese woman arrested in stabbing death of Yokota-based airman

The unidentified airman, who was in his 30s, was stabbed with a knife at his home near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo Friday. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a National Space Council meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 23, 2018. <br>Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a National Space Council meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 23, 2018. <br>Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

North Korea, Okinawa may be on agenda during Pence’s upcoming Tokyo visit

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife are set to visit Tokyo next week, according to high-level Japanese government officials.

The 374th Operational Support Squadron at Yokota Air Base controls air traffic over Tokyo's western suburbs and parts of Saitama, Tochigi, Gunma, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Niigata, Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
The 374th Operational Support Squadron at Yokota Air Base controls air traffic over Tokyo's western suburbs and parts of Saitama, Tochigi, Gunma, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Niigata, Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Japan seeks to route flights through US-controlled airspace in western Tokyo

Japanese officials want to route civilian jumbo jets through airspace near Yokota Air Base to increase the capacity of Haneda International Airport, which is one of the two major gateways for foreign visitors to Tokyo.

“We now have an A.S.L. [Anti-Swearing League],” from Nov. 8, 1918, shows soldiers put on kitchen patrol with the caption: “Instead of letting loose a howling flood of profanity when something annoys you, try yodeling a quaint sentimental ditty or recite plaintive portions of the congressional record until the feeling of aggravation has left you.”<br>Stars and Stripes
“We now have an A.S.L. [Anti-Swearing League],” from Nov. 8, 1918, shows soldiers put on kitchen patrol with the caption: “Instead of letting loose a howling flood of profanity when something annoys you, try yodeling a quaint sentimental ditty or recite plaintive portions of the congressional record until the feeling of aggravation has left you.”<br>Stars and Stripes

Century-old Stars and Stripes cartoons serve as vivid reminder of WWI troops’ struggles

Between Feb. 8, 1918, and June 13, 1919, Stars and Stripes published more illustrations than photographs and often included humor-filled cartoons reflecting the daily lives of members of the American Expeditionary Forces.

Japanese paratroopers ride in a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during the Keen Sword exercise, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Japanese paratroopers ride in a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during the Keen Sword exercise, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

US, Japan move into final stretch of ‘largest and most complex’ field exercise

The U.S. and Japan are in the final stretch of a large, complex field training exercise that has 10,000 American servicemembers drilling alongside 47,000 Japanese troops on land, in the air and at sea.

U.S. military and Miyagi prefecture officials crack open a barrel of sake to kick off the Operation Tomodachi Festival at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
U.S. military and Miyagi prefecture officials crack open a barrel of sake to kick off the Operation Tomodachi Festival at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Japanese prefecture devastated by 2011 earthquake thanks Yokota for relief efforts

Japanese residents from Miyagi prefecture recently brought food, drinks and crafts to the home of U.S. Forces Japan to thank Americans for their help in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

A New York Air National Guard LC-130 cargo plane taxis on skis in Antarctica in this undated photo.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay
A New York Air National Guard LC-130 cargo plane taxis on skis in Antarctica in this undated photo.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay

China says airfield planned for Antarctica to be used by scientists and tourists

China has announced plans to build an airfield in Antarctica amid warnings that the communist nation is laying groundwork for a claim on the frozen continent’s vast natural resources.

Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of Indo-Pacific Command, participates in a traditional Papua New Guinea welcome ceremony in Port Moresby, Aug. 22, 2018.<br>Robin Peak/U.S. Navy photo
Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of Indo-Pacific Command, participates in a traditional Papua New Guinea welcome ceremony in Port Moresby, Aug. 22, 2018.<br>Robin Peak/U.S. Navy photo

Papua New Guinea island touted as potential base for US and Australian warships

Papua New Guinea’s Lombrum Naval Base was built by U.S. forces in 1944 on Manus Island, an 800-square-mile rock in the Bismarck Sea north of New Britain. It is already being upgraded to accommodate four Guardian-class coastal patrol ships that Australia is providing for the South Pacific nation.

U.S. Marines and Navy Seabees clear debris from Typhoon Mangkhut on Tinian, Northern Marianas Islands, Sept. 11, 2018. Another storm hit the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.<br>Courtesy of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
U.S. Marines and Navy Seabees clear debris from Typhoon Mangkhut on Tinian, Northern Marianas Islands, Sept. 11, 2018. Another storm hit the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.<br>Courtesy of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

Northern Marianas military bases survive Super Typhoon Yutu

Military installations in the Northern Marianas remain “mission capable,” the Navy said Thursday as crews cleared debris from a storm that tied for the strongest so far this year.

Boeing's new KC-46 Pegasus tanker sits at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, after completing its maiden flight across the Pacific.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Boeing's new KC-46 Pegasus tanker sits at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, after completing its maiden flight across the Pacific.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Boeing’s new aerial refueler stops at Yokota after maiden trans-Pacific flight

Boeing’s new KC-46 Pegasus tanker completed its maiden trip across the Pacific Tuesday when it touched down at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo.

The Clark Museum has dozens of plastic models of planes that flew at the former Clark Air Force Base, ranging from biplanes to combat jets and massive transport aircraft from the 1980s.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
The Clark Museum has dozens of plastic models of planes that flew at the former Clark Air Force Base, ranging from biplanes to combat jets and massive transport aircraft from the 1980s.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Explore the storied history of a former American military base at Clark Museum

Clark Air Base, America’s then-largest overseas military facility located about two hours north of Manila in the Philippines, closed in 1991 — but, if you want to take a nostalgic trip to that bygone era, the Clark Museum in Mabalacat City offers just that.

Kimio Waki points toward the island where he grew up from a lookout on Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Kimio Waki points toward the island where he grew up from a lookout on Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

No easy solution for Russia-Japan dispute over islands north of Hokkaido

The Russian presence and the expulsion of more than 17,000 Japanese from the country's Northern Territories remains a source of tension and the reason the nations have yet to sign a peace treaty 73 years after the war.

Yokota Air Base is home to U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
Yokota Air Base is home to U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

US military tightens base access for South Koreans in Japan

U.S. Forces Japan recently added the longtime American ally to a list of nations whose citizens must undergo additional screening before they can be escorted onto installations.

Staff Sgt. Eliction Chan, 27, of the 374th Mission Support Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was found dead in her off-base residence, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.<br>Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Eliction Chan, 27, of the 374th Mission Support Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was found dead in her off-base residence, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.<br>Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

Yokota airman, a recent ‘Airlifter of the Week,’ found dead in off-base home

Staff Sgt. Eliction Chan, 27, assigned to the 374th Mission Support Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, died Oct. 1, according to an Air Force statement issued last week.

Many residents of Balangiga, Philippines, say they welcome the upcoming return of church bells taken by American troops in 1902. Local government official Sanny Elacion, left, and historian Alicia Valdenor, second from left, pose with construction workers near the rebuilt church, Sept. 20, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Many residents of Balangiga, Philippines, say they welcome the upcoming return of church bells taken by American troops in 1902. Local government official Sanny Elacion, left, and historian Alicia Valdenor, second from left, pose with construction workers near the rebuilt church, Sept. 20, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

gallery

Filipino villagers welcome upcoming return of church bells seized by US troops

Residents of a seaside village on the island of Samar are getting ready to celebrate the return of three church bells seized by U.S. troops as war trophies more than a century ago after their comrades were massacred by local “insurrectos.”

Japanese journalists check out a CV-22 Osprey at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Japanese journalists check out a CV-22 Osprey at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Air Force gives Japanese reporters closeup look at Yokota’s Ospreys

Japanese reporters got a closeup look at one of five Air Force CV-22 Ospreys at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo on Wednesday.

Winds from Typhoon Trami toppled trees that fell onto vehicles at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday. Oct. 1, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
Winds from Typhoon Trami toppled trees that fell onto vehicles at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday. Oct. 1, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

Typhoon Trami topples trees, damages vehicles at US bases in Japan

Yokota Air Base and nearby Camp Zama appeared to be the worst hit, despite the eye of the storm traveling much closer to other installations, namely Kadena Air Base on Okinawa.

Willis "Buddy" Clark Jr., 87, poses with members of Boy Scout Troop 485 in Angeles City, Philippines, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Willis "Buddy" Clark Jr., 87, poses with members of Boy Scout Troop 485 in Angeles City, Philippines, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Korean War vet honored for 75 years of service to Boy Scouts

Since Willis “Buddy” Clark Jr. moved to the Philippines from California a few years ago, the father of five has had a big impact on Boy Scout Troop 485, which is mostly composed of children of U.S. veterans.

Air Force Col. Larry Card speaks at a POW/MIA Recognition Day event in Cabanatuan, Philippines, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Air Force Col. Larry Card speaks at a POW/MIA Recognition Day event in Cabanatuan, Philippines, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Vets remember daring raid that liberated 500 POWs in the Philippines

The story of a raid that freed prisoners at the Cabanatuan POW camp was retold to former servicemembers and supporters who gathered there for POW/MIA Recognition Day.