May 2, 2008
Q: My family and I arrived to Yokosuka almost four weeks ago, and so far we are enjoying our new duty station. However, our visits to the Housing office have become quite frustrating. I have been given false information and had questions go unanswered without any explanation. While walking, driving and talking to our new neighbors around the base, it has come to our attention that houses are sitting vacant on Yokosuka base. I have been told on several occasions, there are no vacancies and no intent to vacate notices at this time. Furthermore, the housing waiting list has not moved, and the estimated wait times have grown since we’ve arrived. Is there someone who can tell me why we are sitting in the Navy Lodge with no hope of housing in the near future when houses are sitting empty? We are a family of five with two pets and cannot see the logic in having the Navy pay to move us off base and then back on again when we could be offered a home that is sitting empty and available, or will be in the next couple of months. I have given housing addresses of homes that I know have given intent to vacate notices or that have been vacated only to be told, they don’t have any information about them. Is there anyone that can shed a light on the housing situation, because there definitely is one? There are a number of us sitting in the Navy Lodge scratching our heads wondering who is getting all these vacant homes.

A: We apologize if the information we are providing is not clear and understand your frustration. Please contact Carol Tonumaipea at 243-8826, she will be happy to meet with you to discuss your concerns. We have immediate vacancies at Ikego Hills and Negishi Heights. However, many families decline their first offer and elect to place their names on the Yokosuka waiting lists. Yokosuka is the most preferred housing location on average and has the longest wait time. Assignments are conducted based on pay grade category and bedroom eligibility. Even though there may be a vacant unit that is designated for different pay grade category and/or bedroom eligibility.