Quantcast

Seth Robson

During an American Forces Network interview on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Forces Japan said some troops have broken quarantine to "hook up" with people met via dating apps.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes illustration
During an American Forces Network interview on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Forces Japan said some troops have broken quarantine to "hook up" with people met via dating apps.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes illustration

Dating app hookups by quarantined troops rile enlisted leader for US Forces Japan

To prevent the coronavirus’ spread, U.S. service members and civilians arriving in Japan are placed in “restriction of movement.” But authorities say some under quarantine aren’t following the rules.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

Commuters wear masks as they traverse Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, July 13, 2020.<br>Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes
Commuters wear masks as they traverse Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, July 13, 2020.<br>Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes

US commanders in Japan urge compliance with coronavirus measures as civilian cases mount

A second wave of the virus is coursing through Japan, particularly in urban areas, and U.S. military commanders in the country are reemphasizing public health orders.

A customer sits inside Rock Bar Mother in the popular Kabukicho entertainment district of central Tokyo, May 4, 2018.<br>Stars and Stripes
A customer sits inside Rock Bar Mother in the popular Kabukicho entertainment district of central Tokyo, May 4, 2018.<br>Stars and Stripes

Army garrison commander near Tokyo calls out soldiers for partying in off-limits areas

U.S. Army Japan, which has been in an elevated health protection status since late February, increased its coronavirus risk level to “substantial” Thursday after discovering three new cases in its community.

Yokota Air Base is the headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force and the 374th Airlift Wing in western Tokyo.<br>Stars and Stripes
Yokota Air Base is the headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force and the 374th Airlift Wing in western Tokyo.<br>Stars and Stripes

Yokota airman injured in ‘major vehicle accident’ while under the influence, officials say

The accident, which is under investigation, happened at approximately 12:34 a.m. Sunday in Tachikawa, Yokota’s 374th Airlift Wing said in a statement. All four airmen are assigned to the base, which is also home to U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force.

Maj. Chris Wolff, assistant director of operations for the 374th Airlift Wing's Operations Support Squadron, gives a tour inside the new C-130J Super Hercules flight simulator at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, July 27, 2020.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Maj. Chris Wolff, assistant director of operations for the 374th Airlift Wing's Operations Support Squadron, gives a tour inside the new C-130J Super Hercules flight simulator at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, July 27, 2020.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Air Force powers up Yokota’s $30 million Super Hercules flight simulator in Tokyo

During Monday’s opening ceremony, 374th Airlift Wing commander Col. Andrew Campbell said the facility that houses the simulator would provide realistic training for 200 personnel.

Carla Tyson, interim flight chief for the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at Yokota Air Base in Japan, coordinates a Stress Treatment and Resiliency Team that links those in quarantine with folks who can help them, such as the USO, chaplains and military family life counselors.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Carla Tyson, interim flight chief for the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at Yokota Air Base in Japan, coordinates a Stress Treatment and Resiliency Team that links those in quarantine with folks who can help them, such as the USO, chaplains and military family life counselors.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Air Force tweaks the way it welcomes troops to Tokyo amid pandemic

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, newly arrived airmen and their families must spend their first two weeks in Japan under quarantine. That’s prompted the Air Force to change the way it receives them.

Yokota Air Base is home to U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force and the 374th Airlift Wing in western Tokyo.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Yokota Air Base is home to U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force and the 374th Airlift Wing in western Tokyo.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Home of US Forces Japan announces a fourth active coronavirus case

Yokota’s 374th Airlift Wing announced a fourth active coronavirus Thursday at its base in western Tokyo, which also serves as the home of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force.

Ens. David Falloure of the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam uses a rangefinder to determine the distance to Australia's HMAS Stuart, left, and Japan's JS Teruzuki in the South China Sea, July 21, 2020.<br>James Hong/U.S. Navy
Ens. David Falloure of the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam uses a rangefinder to determine the distance to Australia's HMAS Stuart, left, and Japan's JS Teruzuki in the South China Sea, July 21, 2020.<br>James Hong/U.S. Navy

Chinese fighter jets spotted on tiny base in disputed South China Sea territory

The aircraft were on a runway at Woody Island, China’s largest military base in the Paracels, a group of islets in the northern part of the South China Sea that is claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Soldiers take part in a best-warrior competition for U.S. Army Japan at Sagami General Depot outside Tokyo, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Soldiers take part in a best-warrior competition for U.S. Army Japan at Sagami General Depot outside Tokyo, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Soldiers battle it out near Tokyo to earn US Army Japan’s best-warrior titles

Soldiers from across Japan competed in infantry-style skills as part of a competition to find the best warriors in U.S. Army Japan.

Yokota Air Base is in western Tokyo.<br>Stars and Stripes
Yokota Air Base is in western Tokyo.<br>Stars and Stripes

Three new coronavirus cases in US military in Japan; Marines on Okinawa testing hundreds

Two cases at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma were reported to Okinawa prefecture over the weekend, raising the total associated with a cluster outbreak on two Marine bases there to 136. One case was reported at Yokota Air Base.

Two Air Force B-1B Lancers fly with a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jet over the East China Sea, July 7, 2020.<br>Jackie Sanders/U.S. Air Force
Two Air Force B-1B Lancers fly with a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jet over the East China Sea, July 7, 2020.<br>Jackie Sanders/U.S. Air Force

Japanese citizens feel anxious and concerned about US alliance, security expert says

Japan values its security pact with the United States and will never accept Chinese hegemony in the region, a Keio University expert on international politics recently told foreign journalists.

This aerial view of Naval Base Guam shows Apra Harbor with several vessels in port on March 5, 2016.<br>Jeff Landis/U.S. Navy
This aerial view of Naval Base Guam shows Apra Harbor with several vessels in port on March 5, 2016.<br>Jeff Landis/U.S. Navy

Veterans group sues VA over alleged use of toxic herbicides on Guam

Military Veterans Advocacy's chairman said the goal of the lawsuit is to force the government to address toxic exposure of troops in the Pacific.

A Marine waits to conduct temperature checks and screen personnel at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, July 13, 2020.<br>Juan Carpanzano/U.S. Marine Corps
A Marine waits to conduct temperature checks and screen personnel at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, July 13, 2020.<br>Juan Carpanzano/U.S. Marine Corps

Japanese defense minister voices alarm over US forces’ coronavirus control

The commander of U.S. Forces Japan on Wednesday admonished his personnel to adhere to public health restrictions a day after the Japan’s defense minister cited “problems” with military personnel arriving during the coronavirus pandemic.

Firefighters battle a blaze on board the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Base San Diego, Sunday, July 12, 2020. <br>Austin Haist/U.S. Navy
Firefighters battle a blaze on board the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Base San Diego, Sunday, July 12, 2020. <br>Austin Haist/U.S. Navy

video

San Diego community rallies around USS Bonhomme Richard sailors who lost possessions in blaze

The Fleet and Family Support Center San Diego on its Facebook page Monday warned people to avoid scammers seeking donations for the sailors.

Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, left, passes a guidon to new 35th Fighter Wing commander Col. Jesse Friedel, during a ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Monday, July 13, 2020.<br>Melanie Bulow-Gonterman/U.S. Air Force
Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, left, passes a guidon to new 35th Fighter Wing commander Col. Jesse Friedel, during a ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Monday, July 13, 2020.<br>Melanie Bulow-Gonterman/U.S. Air Force

Former Osan Air Base vice commander moves from Korea to Japan to lead ‘Weasel Nation’

An Air Force Academy graduate who helped enforce a no-fly zone in Libya and supported combat squadrons in Afghanistan is the new commander of Misawa Air Base in Japan.

U.S. Marines arrive at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, July 8, 2020.<br>Scott Schmidt/U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Marines arrive at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, July 8, 2020.<br>Scott Schmidt/U.S. Marine Corps

Marine assigned to Darwin rotational force tests positive for coronavirus in Australia

The Marine received the test result two days after arriving in Darwin on Wednesday in a third wave of troops arriving Down Under as part of the annual rotational force.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's first F-35A stealth fighter arrives at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2018.<br>Deana Heitzman/U.S. Air Force
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's first F-35A stealth fighter arrives at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2018.<br>Deana Heitzman/U.S. Air Force

State Department OKs sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Japan worth more than $23 billion

Japan has asked to buy 63 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs — the short-takeoff and vertical-landing versions of the aircraft.

The littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords steams through the South China Sea, June 16, 2020.<br>Brenton Poyser/U.S. Navy
The littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords steams through the South China Sea, June 16, 2020.<br>Brenton Poyser/U.S. Navy

More-lethal littoral combat ships flex their muscles during Pacific deployments

A decade after the debut of the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ships, the military says it has tweaked the vessels’ design and honed the way it operates them during rotational deployments.

<br>
<br>

Former Thunderbird pilot takes command of 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam

Brig. Gen. Jeremy Sloane will oversee U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Bomber Task Force, theater security packages, contingency response, and humanitarian and disaster-relief operations.

An MV-22B Osprey assigned arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Oct 1, 2012.<br>Jeraco Jenkins/U.S. Marine Corps
An MV-22B Osprey assigned arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Oct 1, 2012.<br>Jeraco Jenkins/U.S. Marine Corps

US approves Osprey sale to Indonesia as Japan preps to deploy the aircraft

The State Department has approved the sale of eight MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to Indonesia, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Monday.

An air-cushioned landing craft makes its way across Sasebo Bay to dry cargo and ammunition ships on Feb. 16, 2016.<br>David R. Krigbaum/U.S. Navy
An air-cushioned landing craft makes its way across Sasebo Bay to dry cargo and ammunition ships on Feb. 16, 2016.<br>David R. Krigbaum/U.S. Navy

Heavy rain, flooding and landslide threats in Japan prompt Sasebo Naval Base to close

Heavy rain in southern Japan on Monday prompted landslide and flood warnings from Japanese officials and early closures at Sasebo Naval Base.

A Global Hawk unmanned surveillance drone is parked at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in 2014. Because of bad weather, two Guam-based Global Hawks landed at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Monday, Aug. 1, 2016.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
A Global Hawk unmanned surveillance drone is parked at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in 2014. Because of bad weather, two Guam-based Global Hawks landed at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Monday, Aug. 1, 2016.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Japanese general, prepping for new Global Hawks, surveys US fleet at Yokota

The top U.S. general in Japan showed off an RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance drone to one of his Japanese counterparts Thursday as the country prepares to field its own fleet of the unmanned aircraft.

A candlelight vigil at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 6, 2019, honors Marines who died in a midair collision a year earlier.<br>Tyler Harmon/U.S. Marine Corps
A candlelight vigil at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 6, 2019, honors Marines who died in a midair collision a year earlier.<br>Tyler Harmon/U.S. Marine Corps

Report: Marine Corps finds ‘many inaccuracies’ with probe into 2018 fatal midair collision

A Marine Corps review has found multiple inaccuracies in the investigation of a midair collision off Japan’s coast that killed six Marines more than two years ago, according to a report by Military.com.

An Australian soldier patrols with U.S. Marines in Summer 2019 during the Talisman Sabre exercise in Queensland, Australia.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
An Australian soldier patrols with U.S. Marines in Summer 2019 during the Talisman Sabre exercise in Queensland, Australia.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Australia to boost military spending amid ‘most challenging times’ in Indo-Pacific region

Australia 's 10-year defense spending plan includes working with the United States to develop missile defense for deployed forces and acquiring long-range missiles to protect shipping lanes.

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo flies over the nearby city of Fussa, April 17, 2020.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo flies over the nearby city of Fussa, April 17, 2020.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Air Force grants Tokyo troops more freedom to roam ahead of July Fourth weekend

People who live or work at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo have been authorized to travel much of the country’s main island in time for Independence Day, although Tokyo Disneyland and popular nightlife districts in the capital remain off-limits.

Matt Silvia, photographed June 26, 2020, works with Outdoor Recreation at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, and says weekend outings to spots near the base have been selling out quickly.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Matt Silvia, photographed June 26, 2020, works with Outdoor Recreation at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, and says weekend outings to spots near the base have been selling out quickly.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

With Yokota troops ordered to stay close to home, Outdoor Rec tweaks its gameplan

Coronavirus restrictions have led the Outdoor Recreation office and service members at Yokota Air Base to adjust the ways they enjoy the outdoors.

Spc. Brittany Farley takes the temperature of a man entering Camp Zama, Japan, March 31, 2020.<br>Winifred Brown/U.S. Army
Spc. Brittany Farley takes the temperature of a man entering Camp Zama, Japan, March 31, 2020.<br>Winifred Brown/U.S. Army

Travel restrictions ease for some US troops in Japan, but Tokyo remains off-limits

Soldiers are still barred from using public transportation or visiting bars, clubs and karaoke establishments, according to U.S. Army Garrison Japan.

A Cargo Launch Expendable Air Vehicle with Extended Range pallet, also known as CLEAVER, is launched from an MC-130J aircraft in this undated photo provided by the Air Force.<br>U.S. Air Force
A Cargo Launch Expendable Air Vehicle with Extended Range pallet, also known as CLEAVER, is launched from an MC-130J aircraft in this undated photo provided by the Air Force.<br>U.S. Air Force

Air Force is testing cruise missiles launched from cargo planes

Launching missiles from pallets makes it easy for flight crews to deploy them without much training, said Col. Gary Haase, director of the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Japan's defense minister, Taro Kono, speaks to reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo, Thursday, June 25, 2020.<br>Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes
Japan's defense minister, Taro Kono, speaks to reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo, Thursday, June 25, 2020.<br>Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes

Japanese jets scramble daily to meet probing Chinese aircraft, says nation’s defense chief

Japanese military planes now must scramble daily — sometimes several times a day — in response to Chinese aircraft approaching Japanese airspace, Japan’s defense minister told foreign journalists in Tokyo on Thursday.

A soldier screens a driver for the coronavirus at Camp Zama, Japan, March 31, 2020.<br>Winifred Brown/U.S. Army
A soldier screens a driver for the coronavirus at Camp Zama, Japan, March 31, 2020.<br>Winifred Brown/U.S. Army

US Army Japan confirms first coronavirus case in its community since April

“This person was asymptomatic during travel and had no reason to believe he/she was infected prior to undertaking the trip to Japan,” according to a U.S. Army Japan statement.

People wear masks as they stroll through the Omotesando district of central Tokyo, May 22, 2020.<br>Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes
People wear masks as they stroll through the Omotesando district of central Tokyo, May 22, 2020.<br>Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes

Tokyo reports 55 coronavirus cases, its highest daily tally since early May

Japan’s capital city reported 55 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, the highest number since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted a state of emergency there on May 25.