The 374th Medical Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, shown here Jan. 23, 2026. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes)
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Patients at this airlift hub in western Tokyo may experience longer wait times and fewer appointment options this summer due to temporary staffing shortages, according to a recent announcement by the 374th Medical Group.
Clinics at the medical group expect reduced appointment availability due to staffing shortages linked to global combat operations and the annual permanent change of station season, according to a post Wednesday on the 374th Medical Group’s official Facebook page.
“The medical group has coordinated with headquarters for manning assists and is temporarily shifting work internally with available staff across the unit,” Capt. Emma Quirk, spokeswoman for the 374th Airlift Wing, said by email Friday.
The original Facebook post was changed afterward to remove the reference to combat operations, due to operational security concerns, Quirk said by phone Friday. The original post did not refer to a specific military operation.
The pediatrics clinic will see the greatest impact in the short term, though availability is expected to improve beginning June 1, according to the Facebook post.
“Our clinics will experience temporary provider shortages throughout the summer,” the notice stated.
The update did not specify how many providers are unavailable or how long the shortages may last. Patients should expect earliest available appointments to be between three to four weeks from initial inquiry, Quirk said via email.
The announcement comes as military installations across Japan enter the busy PCS season, when service members, families and civilian employees rotate to new assignments.
The transition period often creates staffing gaps across departments, including medical services.
For families at Yokota with young children, reduced appointment availability could add strain during an already busy summer transfer season.
The medical group encouraged patients to remain patient with clinic staff as they continue operating with reduced manpower.
“Our staff is working hard to support and care for all patients,” the notice stated. “Thank you for your understanding and compassion.”
Fifth Air Force, headquartered at Yokota, and Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan did not respond to phone and email requests Thursday and Friday for information about appointment availability and staffing at other medical groups. Master Sgt. Micaiah Anthony, spokesman for Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, by phone Monday referred questions about the 18th Medical Group to the Defense Health Agency, which was unavailable Monday after business hours.
