Misawa Base Earthquake and Tsunami Announcements 03-11-2011

"Naval Air Facility Misawa" Alerts and Announcements About Earthquake/Tsunami..

35 Minutes Ago:

Misawa Residents,

Per the direction of the 35th Fighter Wing Commander, please remain patient as we work to restore services to Misawa Air Base following the recent events.

Currently, the number one priority for 35FW leadership is to restore basic services to Misawa Air Base. We are aware there is currently no commercial power throughout Misawa; however, Team Misawa is working hard to restore power as soon as possible.

Please review the following information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

- The Grissom Dining Facility is currently providing MREs and box lunches 24/7 and will be open for hot meals for the below hours:

Breakfast - 0500-0900

Lunch - 1030-1430

Dinner - 1630-2030

Midnight - 2230-0230

- The on-base water supply is potable and safe for drinking. The Bioenvironmental Engineer Flight has performed thorough sampling to ensure the water is healthy.

- However, the off-base water is not potable. Residents can obtain potable water and emergency rations through off-base junior high and grade schools. Off-base residents are directed by Misawa City public works officials to boil water for at least 20 min prior to drinking/hygienic use.

- Misawa Air Base’s steam generation plants are functioning; however, our steam distribution capability is not functional. Facility managers must maintain vigilance on their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks.

- All personnel should implement normal storm and power loss procedures by limiting the opening of refrigerators, windows and doors for energy and heat conservation. Minimize the flushing of toilets, running of faucets and be aware of food spoilage issues

- Moketuki Community Center second floor is being stood-up as the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC), which will be used as a source of information. Wireless internet will also be available at Moketuki. The EFACC has been operational as of 0940L. Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Moketuki to give assistance.

- The base hospital is fully operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical care.

- The Commissary (DECA) hours today, 12 Mar 11 are 0830 – 1800L. They are currently accepting cash and check only.

- The main base Shoppette is currently open. They are currently accepting cash and check only.

- The BX is currently not operational

- AAFES Gas stations are currently not functional. Please ensure you conserve gasoline use until they reopen.

- WAPS Testing has been cancelled until further notice.

- We encourage residents to continuously monitor AFN Radio (1575AM) and contact the EFACC and their UCCs for any updates.

Please remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community. The towers are built to rigorous earthquake standards. All housing towers on Misawa AB have been inspected by CE and sustained no damage during this afternoon’s earthquake. There are no issues with residents living in or returning to their homes. We currently do not have an exact estimate from our downtown commercial power provider as to when power will be restored.

We appreciate your patience throughout our recent tribulations and ask that you continue your fortitude as we work though these challenges. If you have any questions or require any additional information please contact your Unit Control Center or visit our EFACC at Moketuki Community Center.

Very Respectfully,

Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

Japan Earthquake 11 March 2011 - Misawa Air Base

Immediate aftermath and reaction to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake on March 11, 2011 at the AFN Misawa studios at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Footage shot and edited by Jimmy Moreland.

4 Hours Ago:
The 35th Fighter Wing has announced that Cafe Mokuteki will be serving a limited menu. No phone in orders and they are accepting cash only.

4 Hours Ago:
The 35th Fighter Wing has announced that the Potter Fitness Center is open for hot showers. Lights will be limited. Patrons should bring toiletries and towels.

4 Hours Ago:
Well this is Chaplain Jerry Sather, the Misawa wing Chaplain. We want to share with you at this time of great uncertainty and upset as we experience the Great Quake of 2011 as I’ve started to call it, we want you to know that as you are helping one another and being very patient with our civil engineers and our wing leadership as they try to restore all the services to our base, and I want you to know they are doing a wonderful job working on those issues and we greatly appreciate your patience…

But we want you to know that our chaplains are here to assist you. We have opened the emergency family assistance center at the Mokuteki with our great services squadron, you can go to the Mokuteki 24 hours a day and get updates of information what’s going on in the base.

You can get food and snacks, you can make telephone calls back to the states, and we also have chaplains available and other mental health professionals to assist you with counseling, our chaplains are there for prayer and spiritual support. So anytime you need anything just stop by the Mokuteki to our emergency family assistance center and our chaplains and other people are there to assist you for whatever you need. In addition we also want to let you know about our chapel services this weekend.

Today is Saturday, we will not have any services, so our normally scheduled Saturday catholic mass is canceled, and however, all services tomorrow on Sunday will take place. Our Sunday morning 8 o’ clock traditional protestant service, our 9:30 catholic mass, our 11 o’ clock contemporary service, and our 12:45 gospel service will all take place as scheduled.

Now we want to let you know, as of now we have no heat and no electricity so we encourage you to bundle up warm but still come out and praise God, and thank God that we’ve been preserved and pray for those that are in need at this time. We also will remind you that we have no religious education program tomorrow on Sunday.

The most important thing at is time is that you reach out to your neighbors and help where you can, and if you need assistance, reach out to someone who can help; our chaplains, and other helping agencies are here to help you.

God bless you.

3 Hours Ago:
The five traveling sports teams are all currently at Yokota AB and are safe and taken care of. This includes the boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and track teams. DoDDS administrators are currently researching a way to bring them back to Misawa.

3 Hours Ago:
All teachers and staff members must check-in by calling 226-9070, 226-3909, or by stopping by Edgren H.S principal's office between 0900 and 1700 tomorrow, 13 March.

3 Hours Ago:
At this time all air traffic in and out of Misawa Air Base and Misawa City Airport are still scheduled to arrive and depart on time.

2 Hours Ago:
The five traveling sports teams are all currently at Yokota AB and are
safe and taken care of. This includes the boys and girls soccer, baseball,
softball, and track teams. DoDDS administrators are currently researching a
way to bring them back to Misawa.

All teachers and staff members must check-in by calling 226-9070,
226-3909, or by stopping by Edgren H.S principal's office between 0900 and
1700 tomorrow, 13 March.

At this time all air traffic in and out of Misawa Air Base and Misawa
City Airport are still scheduled to arrive and depart on time.

The 35th Fighter Wing has announced that Cafe Mokuteki will be serving a limited menu. No phone in orders and they are accepting cash only.

The 35th Fighter Wing has announced that the Potter Fitness Center is open for hot showers. Lights will be limited. Patrons should bring toiletries and towels.

The Grissom Dinning Facility has box lunches and MREs for mission essential personnel 24/7. They will be issued at the back door.

For those trying to find out the status of American family members in Misawa please call the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center at 011-81-176-77-5414.

The Grissom dining Facility is open for hot meals during the following hours for all Misawa Air Base residents.

Breakfast: 5:00-9:00 AM
Lunch: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Dinner: 4:30-8:30 PM
Midnight Meal: 10:30 PM – 2:30 AM

The Commissary will be open tomorrow from 9 to 5 in the afternoon. They will be accepting cash, check, and credit.

About 45 Minutes Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

Commercial power across Misawa Air Base and Northern Japan is out with no estimated restoral date. Please review the following updated information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

-The Grissom Dining Facility is currently providing MREs and box lunches 24/7 for mission essential personnel. Hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast- 0500-0900 Lunch 1030-1430 Dinner 1630 2030 Midnight - 2230-0230

- The on-base water supply is still potable and safe for drinking.

-Off-base water is still not potable. Residents can obtain potable water and emergency rations through off-base junior high and grade schools. Off-base residents are directed by Misawa City public works officials to boil water for at least 20 min prior to drinking/hygienic use.

- Our steam distribution capability is still not functional. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damages directly to their UCC.

- All personnel should implement normal storm and power loss procedures by limiting the opening of refrigerators, windows and doors for energy and heat conservation. On base sewage is now operational. Residents should report breaks/damages to Civil Engineering Customer Service at 226-9350.

- 35 FW Chapel Services for 13 Mar 11 are as follows:

0800 Traditional Protestant

0930 Catholic Mass

1100 Contemporary Protestant Service

1245 Gospel Protestant Service

There will be no religious Education Sunday

- Moketuki Community Center (open 24 hours) second floor is the Emergency Family Asssistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-5414, which will be used as a source of information. Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Moketuki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3 minute morale calls. A limited menu is available at Cafe Mokuteki, and they are currently only accepting cash.

-Potter Finess Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5 minute showers are available to personnel. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electircal items such as hair dryers. Please bring all toilettries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc.

- Some residential phones in the North Area are not functional and have no estimated date/time of restoral. However, the base and Verizon are working diligently to have these phones operational.

- The base hospital is still fully operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical care.

- The Commissary hours for 13 Mar 11 are 0900-5pm. The are planning on being open on Monday with tiems yet to be determined. They are currently accepting cash, check and credit card (no debit). They are currently out of the following items: Charcoal, C& D batteries, candles, bread

The main base Shoppetee hours are 9-4pm. They are currently accepting cash, check and credit cards (no debit). When purchasing items, customers are limited to only two of the same product. (EX.. Capt Haedge can buy 2 blankets, 2 packages of batteries, 2 flahslights, etc.)

- The exchange will not be opened on 13 Mar 11

- AAFES Gas Stations are currently not operational. We are working a limited generator capability to hopefully restore service within the next 24 hours. However, please ensure you conserve gasoline/diesel usage until they reopen.

- We encourage residents to continuously monitor AFN Radio (1575 AM) ancd contact the EFACC and their UCCs ofr any updates. The Giant Voice system will only be used for dire circumstances due to limited battery charge.

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recoer from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,
Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

About 43 Minutes Ago:
Misawa Residents, the latest Misawa Earthquake recovery update has posted in the notes section. Thank you for your continued patience as we all work to ensure you get correct information regarding base and emergency services.

About 8 Minutes Ago:
AFN Misawa AM 1575 is currently Off the Air. Our maintenance team is diligently working the issue. Please bare with us as we work to get this resolved quickly.

About 3 Hours Ago:
AFN AM 1575 is back on the air...

About 3 Hours Ago:
And AFN AM 1575 is back down. We are working the issue and have people responding as I type. Please be patient with us...

About 2 Hours Ago:
AFN AM 1575 Is BACK on the Air. No Earthquake will keep us down for long!! Keep it locked here for all of your recovery updates!!

About 33 Minutes Ago:
AFN is experiencing difficulties with our transmitter site, which is creating intermittent outages. Grr... frustrating we know, but we're working it!

Gotta love those people at the radio stations: "Please bare with us as we work to get this resolved quickly."

I guess Misawa people have a whole different way of approaching difficult situations. :-) Hang in there, folks!

About 37 Minutes Ago:

Misawa Community- Power is slowly being restored to the local off base community. Efforts are underway to restore Misawa Air Base service. As the electrical system recovers, there may be intermittent outages, however, we look forward to having power to Misawa Air Base restored very soon.

All,
Due to a power outage, Stars and Stripes is unable to update its website for the next several hours. We will continue to monitor events around bases and at the severaly affected areas. For now, this from the schools:

All Misawa Air Base schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Pacific schools spokesman Charles Hoff told Stars and Stripes as of 1 p.m. Sunday.
Faculty and staff should either call or e-mail their status each of those days, Hoff said.
All other base schools in mainland Japan and Okinawa plan on having normal school days, Hoff said.
Any changes would be broadcast on AFN, Hoff added.

Kudos to Erik for sharing vital information. Thank you!

Erik keep up the great efforts you and the other S&S reporters are doing! I know its a tough role.

They are doing this section for news:
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific...earthquake

About 10 Hours Ago:
I know many of you are looking for ways to help...CNN.com has a section called "Impact your World"... they have ways to help Japan already posted.

9 Hours Ago:
All- AFN broadcast professionals around Japan are working to bring you stories of what's happening at military bases. This link shows their work.
Air Force responds to earthquake in Japan
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123246368

8 Hours Ago:
All-in response to the concern over the issues at the Nuclear Plant, U.S. Forces Japan Public Affairs has released the following statement: "There is no danger to any U.S. military installations at this time. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families."

8 Hours Ago:
ALL- I have a corrected phone number for you. To reach the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) from on Misawa dial 226-2879/2692.

Also... if you want to try to call from the states dial: 1 866 582 4705 Understand this may be a hard number to get through on due to the sheer volume of calls coming to Japan.

8 Hours Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

Relief effort support is ongoing and you may see transient individuals from associations like CNN, CBS and USAID around the base as we continue the recovery phase of OPERATION TOMODACHI. Many personnel have expressed concern over the nuclear reactor situation. As quoted from the United States Force Japan Public Affairs office, “There is no danger to any military installation at this time. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families. Please review the following updated information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

- The Grissom Dining Facility is currently providing MREs and box lunches 24/7 for mission essential personnel. Hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast - 0500-0900
Lunch - 1030-1430
Dinner - 1630-2030
Midnight - 2230-0230

- The Patriot Express has been delayed 24 hours.

- The on-base water supply is still potable and safe for drinking. Off-base water is still not potable even though electricity is operational. Residents can obtain potable water and emergency rations through off-base junior high and grade schools. Off-base residents are directed by Misawa City public works officials to boil water for at least 20 min prior to drinking/hygienic use.

- Our steam distribution capability is still not functional. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damages directly to their UCC.

- All personnel should implement normal storm and power loss procedures by limiting the opening of refrigerators, windows and doors for energy and heat conservation. On-base sewage is now operational. Residents should report damages to CE Customer Service at 226-9350.

- Power and cell phone towers are slowly being restored to the local off-base community and efforts are underway to restore power on base. As the electrical system recovers, there may be intermittent outages; however, we look forward to having power on Misawa AB restored soon and are working diligently with Tokohu Power Company

- 35 FW Chapel Services for 13 Mar 11 are as follows:

0800 Traditional Protestant
0930 Catholic Mass
1100 Contemporary Protestant Service
1245 Gospel Protestant Service

There will be no religious education Sunday

- Moketuki Community Center (Open 24 hours) second floor is the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-2879 and226- 2692, which will be used as a source of information and provide briefings every 4 hours (next briefing at 0400, 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400L hrs). Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Moketuki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3-minute morale calls. A limited menu is available at Café Mokuteki, and they are currently only accepting cash. 35 CPTS is offering a $50.00 cash advance per person for Army, Navy, AF, DoDDs, and GS personnel.

- Potter Fitness Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5-minute showers are available to personnel. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electrical items such as hair dryers. Please bring all toiletries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc.

- Some residential phones in the North Area are not functional and have no estimated date/time of restoral. However, the base and Verizon are working diligently to have these phones operational.

- The base hospital is still operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical care. Patients are to walk-in the Urgent Care Clinic for care.

- The Commissary (DECA) hours for 13 Mar 11 are 0900 – 1700L. They will be open on Monday with times to be determined. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit). They are currently out of the following items and are working a resupply, which should arrive in the next few days:

Charcoal
C & D batteries
Candles
Bread

- The main base Shoppette hours are 0900 - 1600L. They are currently accepting cash, check and credit card (no debit). When purchasing items, customers are limited to only two of the same product (Ex. – Capt Haedge can buy 2 blankets, 2 packages of batteries, 2 flashlights).

- The Exchange will not be opened on 13 Mar 11. AAFES Gas stations are currently not operational. We are working a limited generator capability to hopefully restore service within the next 24 hours. In the interim, access to government-owned fuel has been allowed. Please contact your UCCs for more information such as directions and locations.

- We have no firm date/time when the sport teams will return but we are coordinating with DoDDs and the families to ensure a prompt return and are looking at all airlift options.

- The Giant Voice system will only be used for dire circumstances due to limited battery charge.

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,

Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

7 hours Ago:
You need to follow the guidance released by Misawa Air Base. Off-base water is NOT POTABLE even though electricity is operational. This is in effect until further notice.

7 Hours Ago:
ALL- Updated Misawa Earthquake Recovery Information is available on our NOTES page. Additionally, listen to AFN AM 1575 at 5 minutes after EVERY HOUR for the most up-to-date information! (EX: 0705, 0805, 0905...)

6 Hours Ago:
The Patriot Express has slipped 24 hours - now due in Tuesday morning. TDY and leave returnees are approved for travel; PCS inbounds are on hold until further notice.

6 Hours Ago:
Off-base water in Misawa City is POTABLE and SAFE to drink. Personnel should turn on and flush the water lines for two minutes the first time they use water. On-base water has been and continues to be SAFE for drinking and bathing. Continue conservation measures with all drinkable water, both on and off base.

6 Hours Ago:
Patriot Express update:
The Patriot Express has slipped 24 hours - now due in Tuesday morning. TDY and leave returnees are approved for travel; PCS inbounds are on hold until further notice.

6 hours Ago:
Off-base water in Misawa City is potable and safe to drink. Personnel should turn on and flush their water lines for two minutes the first time they use water. On-base water has been and continues to be safe for drinking and bathing. Continue conservation measures with all drinkable water, both on and off base.

3 Hours Ago:
AAFES GAS STATION ON THE MAIN BASE IS UP AND RUNNING. ALL PUMPS ARE LIMITED TO 10 GALLON

PER CAR. YOU MUST PRE-PAY BY EITHER CASH, CHECK OR CREDIT.



OFF-BASE WATER IN MISAWA CITY IS POTABLE AND SAFE TO DRINK. PERSONNEL SHOULD TURN ON AND FLUSH THEIR WATER LINES FOR 2 MINUTES THE FIRST TIME THEY USE THE WATER.

ON-BASE WATER HAS BEEN, AND CONTINUES TO BE, SAFE FOR DRINKING AND BATHING PRUPOSES.

CONTINUE CONSERVATION MEASURES WITH ALL DRINKABLE WATER- BOTH ON-BASE AND OFF-BASE.

THE BASE PHASE 2 EXERCISE, OR CERE IS CANCELLED.

ALL DODDS SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY. THE DECISION TO EITHER OPEN OR CLOSE THE SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE MADE BY NOON ON TUESDAY. SCHOOL STAFFS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR PERSPECTIVE SCHOOLS BY PHONE OR BY DROPPING BY EACH DAY BETWEEN 10 AND NOON. IF FOR SOME REASON, STAFF CANNOT REACH THE SCHOOL, MAKE EFFORTS TO LET COLLEGUES KNOW THAT THEY ARE OK.

TERRA NOVA TESTING IS DELAYED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

MISSION ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL ONLY SHOULD REPORT TO WORK ON MONDAY. THOSE FOLKS DIRECTLY TASKED WITH RECOVERING THE BASE OR SUPPORTING HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT WORK.

THE PATRIOT EXPRESS HAS SLIPPED 24 HOURS. IT’S NOW DUE IN TUESDAY MORNING

TDY AND LEAVE RETURNEES ARE APPROVED FOR TRAVEL. THEY MUST HAVE THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK SUCH AS ORDERS BEFORE DEPARTING.

PCS INBOUND PERSONNEL ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

SANWADO DOES HAVE PROPANE TANKS.

3 Hours Ago:
Hey All- the base folks are still working power issues... you may start to see power come in and out on base.

3 Hours Ago:
Food Supply Levels:

The following is a transcript of comments recorded at AFN Misawa this afternoon. The audio is being broadcast over the air periodically.

Good morning team Misawa, my name is Gregory McGruder, at Misawa I'm the store director for the Misawa Commissary. First of all, I want to thank the community, especially I want to thank Mrs. Wimmer, my wife Arlene, and a group of teachers who came out to stock the commissary, and to help issue food out.

First of all, there is no 'out of stock' in food. We have plenty of food on hand, we have a central distribution center that we control that's directly behind the commissary, we can handle the contingency plan. We have water that's available, we have water that's on the way that's being shipped, there's plenty of food, plenty of meat, plenty of bread, we have frozen meat items as well, we have received a fresh shipment of produce items that's now available in the store, to include bananas. So please, come out and shop, we have fresh, hot rotisserie chicken and sushi available.

The only problem and limit that we have is that the lighting is somewhat compromised. We have somewhat abbreviated lighting due to the power generator situation, so if you'd like, bring a flashlight, take your time, enhoy the shopping, pick up the items. We're sorry for the inconvenience, but very happy to be able to do business, and to be able to provide you all with service and food.

Charcoal and batteries, we have a shipment that's being put together right now on that, I don't have an arrival date, but it will be within the nect day or two, but the shipment on charcoal and on batteries is being put togethers. We do have type A and double A batteries, as well as triple A batteries. The C's and D's hopefully will be available on the ship that will be coming down. There should be some candles coming down on that same shipment, as well as some flashlights. Matches are available presently in the store.

So again, thank you very much for the cooperation, thank the volunteers who came out to help with stocking, to help with taking cash, and to help out with the lines, and thank the Misawa community for your patience and understanding. Be safe, team Misawa.

2 Hours Ago:
Important news for housing and Furniture Management Customers: All Monday appointments will be rescheduled and a customer service rep will contact you once service resumes. Appointments after Monday are tentative. Thanks for your patience!

2 Hours Ago:
And Another Update: The ONLY items limited at the commissary are water and bread. Customers can only purchase 2 cases of water and 2 loaves of bread per person.

1 Hour Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

Relief effort support is ongoing and you may see transient individuals from associations like CNN, CBS and USAID around the base as we continue the recovery phase of OPERATION TOMODACHI. We are also preparing to provide help/assistance to our Japanese community. Please be aware that some residents of the local community may be housed on-base. Concerning the nuclear reactor situation, the United States Force Japan Public Affairs office stated, “There is no danger to any military installation at this time. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families. Please review the following updated information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

- The Grissom Dining Facility is currently providing MREs and box lunches 24/7 for mission essential personnel. Hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast - 0500-0900
Lunch - 1030-1430
Dinner - 1630-2030
Midnight - 2230-0230

- Mission essential personnel & those supporting recovery operations are to report to work tomorrow

- Schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday and Terra Nova testing has been delayed. Teachers should report into their school’s front office between 1000-1200 on each day. School hours for Wednesday will be determined tomorrow.

- The Patriot Express has been delayed 24 hours

- Leave and TDY personnel are authorized for return travel to Misawa.

- All inbound Permanent Change of Stations (PCSs) have been delayed until further notice

- The on- AND off-base water supply is potable and safe for drinking. Off-base residents should run their water for at least 2 minutes before using/consuming.

- Our steam distribution capability is still not fully functional. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damages directly to their UCC.

- All personnel should implement normal storm and power loss procedures by limiting the opening of refrigerators, windows and doors for energy and heat conservation. On-base sewage is now operational. Residents should report damages to CE Customer Service at 226-9350.

- Power and cell phone towers are restored to the local off-base community

- On- base power is being restored to residential areas. Intermittent outages may occur as the electrical system recovers. Please minimize the use of electrical outlets/devices until power is restored to the entire base. No personnel should use elevators until further notice.

- 35 FW Chapel Services for 13 Mar 11 are as follows:

0800 Traditional Protestant
0930 Catholic Mass
1100 Contemporary Protestant Service
1245 Gospel Protestant Service

There will be no religious education Sunday

- Mokuteki Community Center (Open 24 hours) second floor is the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-2879 or 226-2692, which will be used as a source of information and provide briefings every 4 hours (next briefing at 0400, 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400L hrs). Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Moketuki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3-minute morale calls. A limited menu is available at Café Mokuteki, and they are currently only accepting cash. 35 CPTS is offering a $50.00 cash advance per person for Army, Navy, AF, DoDDs, and GS personnel.

- Potter Fitness Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5-minute showers are available to personnel. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electrical items such as hair dryers. Please bring all toiletries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc.

- Some residential phones in the North Area are not functional and have no estimated date/time of restoral. However, the base and Verizon are working diligently to have these phones operational.

- The base hospital is operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical & dental care. Patients are to walk-in the Urgent Care Clinic for care.

- The Commissary (DECA) is opened until 1700L on 13 Mar 11. They will be open on Monday, 14 Mar 11, from 0900-1600L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit). Water and bread is limited and being rationed two per customer.

- The main base Shoppette hours tomorrow are 0600-2400L. They are currently accepting cash, check and credit card (no debit). When purchasing items, customers are limited to only two of the same product. The food court will be opened tonight from 1600-1900L hours tonight and 0700-2000L hours tomorrow.

- The Exchange will not be opened on 14 Mar 11; however, propane tanks refills will be available from 0900-1300L. Purchases can be made off-base at Sanwado.

- The main base AAFES gas station is opened. Customers must prepay with cash, check or credit card (no debit card) and are limited to 10 gals/vehicle. The military service station to receive government-owned fuel has been suspended.

- We are working the return of the school sport teams and anticipating arrival either tonight or tomorrow. Reservations are being worked to group each sports team together on a flight.

- Phase 2 of Exercise Beverly Sunrise 11-02 has been canceled and all operations should focus on OP TOMODACHI

- The Giant Voice system will only be used for dire circumstances due to limited battery charge.

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,

Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

An Hour Ago:
All- Check it out... a brand new update for you in NOTES. Fresh and Hot, just like AFN AM 1575

About 3 Hours Ago:
- The food court is open tonight from 4 pm - 7 pm.

- Oriase Town's water is good for bathing and drinking.

- Monday, the Child Development Center and the School Age Program will be closed.

About 2 Hours Ago:
MONDAY– THE C-D-C AND SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS ARE CLOSED.

POST OFFICE OPEN TOMORROW FROM 9 TO NOON

THE EMERGENCY FAMILY ASSISTANCE CONTROL CENTER HOSTS DAILY BRIEFINGS. TOMORROW THE BRIEFING TIMES ARE 8 AM AND 4 PM. THESE BRIEFINGS OFFER THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON ALL OF THE RECOVERY HAPPENINGS AT MISAWA AIR BASE.

ANOTHER WAY TO FIND OUT INFORMATION IS TO PICK UP A COMMANDERS UPDATE. THESE PAMPHLETS ARE DISTRIBUTED DAILY FROM 7AM TO 9AM AND FROM 3 TO 5 PM. YOU CAN PICK THESE INFO PACKETS UP AT FIVE BASE LOCATIONS, THE MOKUTEKI, COMMISSARY, POTTER FITNESS CENTER, THE GRISSOM DINING FACILITY AND THE MAIN SHOPPETTE.

GOOD NEWS ON PHONE LINES! 120 DSN LINES ARE UP , 46 COMMERCIAL LINES ARE OPEN TO THE STATES.

About 7 Minutes Ago:
AAFES GAS STATION ON THE MAIN BASE IS UP AND RUNNING. ALL PUMPS ARE LIMITED TO 10 GALLON

PER CAR. YOU MUST PRE-PAY BY EITHER CASH, CHECK OR CREDIT. THE HOURS OF OPERATION ARE 7 AM TO 5 PM.

About 22 Hours Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

Relief effort support is ongoing and you may see transient individuals from associations like CNN, CBS, and USAID around the base as we continue the recovery phase of OPERATION TOMODACHI. We are also preparing to provide help/assistance to our Japanese community. Please be aware that some residents of the local community may be housed on-base. Concerning the nuclear reactor situation, the United States Force Japan Public Affairs office stated, “There is no danger to any military installation at this time. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families. Please review the following updated information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

- The Grissom Dining Facility is currently providing MREs and box lunches 24/7 for mission essential personnel. Hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast - 0500-0900
Lunch - 1030-1430
Dinner - 1630-2030
Midnight - 2230-0230

- Mission essential personnel & those supporting recovery operations are to report to work on 14 Mar 11

- Schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday and Terra Nova testing has been delayed. Teachers should call or report into their school’s front office between 1000-1200L on each day. School hours for Wednesday will be determined on Monday.

- The School-Age Program and Child Development Center will be closed on 14 Mar 11

- The Post Office will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 0900-1200L for Parcel Pick-up ONLY

- The Patriot Express has been delayed 24 hours

- Leave, TDY, and deployed personnel are authorized for return travel to Misawa

- All inbound Permanent Change of Stations (PCSs) have been delayed until further notice
- On- base power has been restored to residential areas. Intermittent outages may occur as the electrical system recovers. Please minimize the use of electrical outlets/devices until power is restored to the entire base. No personnel should use elevators until further notice.

- The on- AND off-base water supply is potable and safe for drinking. Off-base residents should run their water for at least 2 minutes before using/consuming.

- 35 CES is currently working to restore the steam distribution capability. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damage directly to their UCC. Residents should report damage to 35 CES Customer Service at 226-9350.

- Power and cell phone towers are restored to the local off-base community

- Residential phones in the North Area are functional but there is no internet

- Mokuteki Community Center (Open 24 hours) second floor is the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-2879 or 226-2692, which will be used as a source of information and provide briefings at 0800 and 1600L. Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Mokuteki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3-minute morale calls. There will be a limited menu until 1000 and then the full menu will be available at Café Mokuteki. They are currently accepting cash, check, and yen. 35 CPTS is offering a $50.00 cash advance per person for Army, Navy, AF, DoDDs, and GS personnel.

- Potter Fitness Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5-minute showers are available to personnel. Please bring all toiletries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electrical items such as hair dryers.

- The base hospital is operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical & dental care. Patients are to walk-in the Urgent Care Center for care.

- The Commissary (DECA) will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 1000-1600L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit/debit card with $25 cash back. Water and bread is limited and being rationed two per customer. Power is full up and there will be bakery and deli services.

- The main base Shoppette will be open normal hours, 0600-2400L, beginning 14 Mar 11. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit). When purchasing items, customers are limited to only two of the same product.

- The Exchange will not be opened on 14 Mar 11; however, propane tanks refills will be available from 0900-1300L. Purchases can be made off-base at Sanwado.

- The Food Court will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 0700-2000L

- The main base AAFES gas station will be open and operational from 0900-1630L. Customers must prepay with cash, check or credit card (no debit card) and are limited to 10 gals/vehicle. POV access to the military service station to receive government-owned fuel has been suspended.

- We are working the return of the school sport teams and anticipating arrival either tonight or tomorrow. Reservations are being worked to group each sports team together on a flight.

- Phase 2 of Exercise Beverly Sunrise 11-02 has been canceled and all operations should focus on OP TOMODACHI

- The Giant Voice system will only be used for dire circumstances due to limited battery charge

- 35 FW/JA is seeking authority for military personnel to file claims for earthquake-related damages. Before discarding damaged items (unless unsafe to keep), JA recommends taking photographs and/or video documentation. To receive “Unusual Occurrence” designation, JA will need: (1) general estimate of extent of damage at MAB (structural & personal damage) and (2) comparative data regarding this earthquake (e.g. “Once in a century”).

- Navy will handle claims separately

- ATMs are not functional and system checks will be conducted on 14 Mar 11

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,
Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

About 19 Hours Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

Relief effort support is ongoing and you may see transient individuals from associations like CNN, CBS, and USAID around the base as we continue the recovery phase of OPERATION TOMODACHI. We are also preparing to provide help/assistance to our Japanese community. Please be aware that some residents of the local community may be housed on-base. Concerning the nuclear reactor situation, the United States Force Japan Public Affairs office stated, “There is no danger to any military installation at this time. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families. Please review the following updated information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

- The Grissom Dining Facility is currently providing MREs and box lunches 24/7 for mission essential personnel. Hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast - 0500-0900
Lunch - 1030-1430
Dinner - 1630-2030
Midnight - 2230-0230

- Mission essential personnel & those supporting recovery operations are to report to work on 14 Mar 11

- Schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday and Terra Nova testing has been delayed. Teachers should call or report into their school’s front office between 1000-1200L each day. School hours for Wednesday will be determined on Monday.

- The School-Age Program and Child Development Center will be closed on 14 Mar 11

- The Post Office will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 0900-1200L for Parcel Pick-up ONLY

- The Patriot Express has been delayed 24 hours

- Leave, TDY, and deployed personnel are authorized for return travel to Misawa

- All inbound Permanent Change of Stations (PCSs) have been delayed until further notice

- On- base power has been restored to residential areas. Intermittent outages may occur as the electrical system recovers. Please minimize the use of electrical outlets/devices until power is restored to the entire base. No personnel should use elevators until further notice.

- The on- AND off-base water supply is potable and safe for drinking. Off-base residents should run their water for at least 2 minutes before using/consuming.

- 35 CES is currently working to restore the steam distribution capability. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damage directly to their UCC. Residents should report damage to 35 CES Customer Service at 226-9350.

- Power and cell phone towers are restored to the local off-base community

- Residential phones in the North Area are functional but there is no internet

- Mokuteki Community Center (Open 24 hours) second floor is the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-2879 or 226-2692, which will be used as a source of information and provide briefings at 0800 and 1600L. Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Mokuteki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3-minute morale calls. There will be a limited menu until 1000 and then the full menu will be available at Café Mokuteki. They are currently accepting cash, check, and yen. 35 CPTS is offering a $50.00 cash advance per person for Army, Navy, AF, DoDDs, and GS personnel.

- Potter Fitness Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5-minute showers are available to personnel. Please bring all toiletries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electrical items such as hair dryers.

- The base hospital is operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical & dental care. Patients are to walk-in the Urgent Care Center for care.

- The Commissary (DECA) will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 1000-1600L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit/debit card with $25 cash back. Water and bread is limited and being rationed two per customer. Power is full up and there will be bakery and deli services.

- The main base Shoppette will be closed on 14 Mar 11 due to power shortages

- The Exchange will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 0900-2100L and the Food Court will be open from 0700-2000L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit).

- The main base AAFES gas station will be open and operational from 0700-1630L. Customers must prepay with cash, check or credit card (no debit card) and are limited to 10 gals/vehicle. POV access to the military service station to receive government-owned fuel has been suspended.

- We are working the return of the school sport teams and anticipating arrival on Monday. Reservations are being worked to group each sports team together on a flight.

- Phase 2 of Exercise Beverly Sunrise 11-02 has been canceled and all operations should focus on OP TOMODACHI

- The Giant Voice system will only be used for dire circumstances due to limited battery charge

- 35 FW/JA is seeking authority for military personnel to file claims for earthquake-related damages. Before discarding damaged items (unless unsafe to keep), JA recommends taking photographs and/or video documentation. To receive “Unusual Occurrence” designation, JA will need: (1) general estimate of extent of damage at MAB (structural & personal damage) and (2) comparative data regarding this earthquake (e.g. “Once in a century”).

- Navy will handle claims separately

- ATMs are not functional and system checks will be conducted on 14 Mar 11

- UOD will be ABU/BDU/Flight Suit through the duration of the Contingency Operation

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,
Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

About 19 Hours Ago:
Morning Misawa Community! We've posted the latest and greatest updates on our notes page. Don't forget- Listen to AFN AM 1575 at 5 after every hour-we'll talk you through all the Misawa Air Base recovery info we have!

About 15 Hours Ago:
Monday, 14 MAR 2011:

Main Base Shoppette and Exchange update:

The Exchange will NOT open its doors today, they are working on being able to open back up tomorrow. The main base Shoppette will be open from 8am-4pm. They are able to accept cash, check, and credit card, but cannot process debit card transactions.

About 15 Hours Ago:
Mokuteki/EFACC Briefing update:

The morning information briefing at the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center has been moved to 9am. It will still be held at the Mokuteki Community Center on the second floor. For questions, you can call the EFACC at 226-2879 or 226-2692.

About 12 Hours Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

Relief effort support is ongoing. You may see transient individuals from news media such as CNN, CBS, and ABC etc around the base. There are also relief aid organizations such as USAID using Misawa as a hub as we support OPERATION TOMODACHI. We are also preparing to provide help/assistance to our Japanese community. Please be aware that some residents of the local community may be housed on-base.

Concerning the nuclear reactor situation, the United States Force Japan Public Affairs office stated, “There is no danger to any military installation at this time. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families. Official studies indicate that Misawa is far enough away to never be impacted by a nuclear disaster at the affected facilities. Please review the following updated information to help you and your family persevere through our current challenges:

- Schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday and Terra Nova testing has been delayed. Teachers should call or report into their school’s front office between 1000-1200L each day. School hours for Wednesday will be determined by 1200L on Tuesday.

- Mission essential personnel & those supporting recovery operations are to report to work on 14 Mar 11

- The School-Age Program and Child Development Center will be closed on 14 Mar 11

- Hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast - 0500-0900
Lunch - 1030-1430
Dinner - 1630-2030
Midnight - 2230-0230

MREs and box lunches are available 24/7 for mission essential personnel

- The on- AND off-base water supply is potable and safe for drinking. Off-base residents should run their water for at least 2 minutes before using/consuming.

- 35 CES is currently working to restore the steam distribution capability. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damage directly to their UCC. Residents should report damage to 35 CES Customer Service at 226-9350.

- On-base power has been restored to residential areas. Intermittent outages may occur as the electrical system recovers. Please minimize the use of electrical outlets/devices until power is restored to the entire base. No personnel should use elevators until further notice.

- Power and cell phone towers are being restored to the local off-base community

- The Post Office will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 0900-1500L for Parcel Pick-up. Incoming mail is being distributed to boxes and outgoing is restricted to 16 oz or less.

- The Patriot Express has been delayed 24 hours

- Leave, TDY, and deployed personnel are authorized for return travel to Misawa

- All inbound Permanent Change of Stations (PCSs) have been delayed until further notice

- Residential phones in the North Area and main base are functional internal to Misawa (cannot call outside of base). Internet is working for main base; please follow the below instruction to check your status:

- Power down your devices in this order: 1) Modem 2) Router 3) PC

- Power up your devices in this order: 1) Modem 2) Router 3) PC

- Mokuteki Community Center (Open 24 hours) main ballroom is the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-2879 or 226-2692, which will be used as a source of information and provide briefings at 0800 and 1600L. A station is being established for volunteers to sign-up. Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Mokuteki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3-minute morale calls. There will be a limited menu until 1000L and then the full menu will be available at Café Mokuteki. They are currently accepting cash, check, and yen. 35 CPTS is offering a $50.00 cash advance per person for Army, Navy, AF, DoDDS, and GS personnel.

- Potter Fitness Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5-minute showers are available to personnel. Please bring all toiletries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electrical items such as hair dryers.

- The base hospital is operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical & dental care. Patients are to walk-in the Urgent Care Center for care.

- For anyone needing to speak with a Chaplain or with Mental Health, please contact 226-9899 as soon as possible

- The Commissary (DECA) will be open on 14 Mar 11 from 1000-1600L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit/debit card with $25 cash back. Water and bread is limited and being rationed two per customer. Power is full up and there will be bakery and deli services.

- The main base Shoppette is opened on 14 Mar 11 from 0800-1600L. The north area Shoppette is opened on 14 Mar 11 from 0900-1700L.

- The Exchange will be closed on 14 Mar 11, but the Food Court will be open from 0700-2000L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit) and are expecting to open on 15 Mar 11 from 0900-2100L.

- The main base AAFES gas station will be open and operational from 0700-1630L. Customers must prepay with cash, check or credit card (no debit card) and are limited to 10 gals/vehicle. POV access to the military service station to receive government-owned fuel has been suspended.

- We are working the return of the rest of the school sport teams (33 personnel left to return). Some personnel returned last night, and we are working to get the remaining teams home. DoDDS will notify Parents and Students are returning and broadcast via AFN and CAC.

- Phase 2 of Exercise BEVERLY SUNRISE 11-02 has been canceled and all Misawa mission operations will focus on Operation TOMODACHI

- The Giant Voice system will only be used for dire circumstances due to limited battery charge

- 35 FW/JA is seeking authority for USAF personnel to file claims for earthquake-related damages. Before discarding damaged items (unless unsafe to keep), JA recommends taking photographs and/or video documentation. To receive “Unusual Occurrence” designation, JA will need: (1) general estimate of extent of damage at MAB (structural & personal damage) and (2) comparative data regarding this earthquake (e.g. “Once in a century”).

- Navy will handle claims separately

- The north area Shoppette & Exchange ATMs are functional; system checks for the other systems are being conducted

- UOD will be ABU/BDU/Flight Suit through the duration of the Contingency Operation

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,

Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

About 12 Hours Ago:
Folks! More updates... the latest is posted under our notes section. Remember to listen to AFN AM 1575 at 5 after every hour for the rundown on what's happening. Also-there is an EFACC (Emergency Family Assistance Control Center) briefing today at 4pm at the Mokuteki. First hand updates...doesn't get much better

About 11 Hours Ago:
ATTENTION MISAWA COMMUNITY: THERE IS A TSUNAMI WARNING IN EFFECT. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM COASTAL AREAS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE... 14 MAR 1147AM (JST)

About 11 Hours Ago:
Col Wimmer is on air now. We'll post his words as soon as possible....and we'll re-air it at 5 after the hour...

About 10 Hours Ago:
UPDATE! There is a Tsunami warning in effect. THERE IS NO THREAT TO MISAWA AIR BASE. Please stay away from coastal areas.

About 8 Hours Ago:

Some Words from Col Al Wimmer, 35 Fighter Wing Vice Commander

I got some news for the community, a few things that I’m sure everyone will be interested in. and I just wanted to pass them along as quickly as we could, so I came over to see you all.

First of all, for the many, many, many folks who have been asking about a way to volunteer and help what’s going on, we finally gotten something into place and I want to let you know how to do that. In the Mokuteki, in the EFACC, as you enter that large room to the right is the Red Cross Desk and they are taking names of people who wish to volunteer. Go there, tell them what you can offer, what you’re willing to do, or if you’re willing to do anything, give them your name. They will be happy to contact you or tell you where there is a need and where you can help. The needs are starting to show. One of the early ones we have right now, folks, you’ve begun to see the pictures of what’s happening in Sendai, well some similar things happened on a smaller scale nearby here in our own community. Hachinohe, Misawa port and so forth. So the need nearby here in our community is great. The spouses are leading this charge by accepting donations. They are going to accept them starting today at 1pm to 8pm at the Edgren Middle School gym. Tomorrow they’ll accept those from 9am to 5pm and what they’re looking for are blankets, flashlights and batteries, coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves, scarves and warm clothing of any kind and any size. As you can imagine folks, from little children to adults, when things are cold and your home is gone these things become very, very important. So, for those of you who are asking, the opportunities are starting to open and here we go. Again, Edgren middle school today from 1pm to 8pm, tomorrow 9am-5pm and the opportunities will continue. We’re going to post this on the CAC and we’ll post the needs as well.

Next, I’d like to talk about the gasoline, the gas station is open. We’re running it on generator power, so sometimes we need to go in and repair things. No need to rush, no need to worry, we have plenty of fuel we have fuel resupply plans. I have plenty of government fuel in stock if we need to reopen the government gas station. So , folks, no need to rush over there, there’s going to be plenty of gas for plenty of time. I understand a lot of folks were getting low and hopefully that’s getting taken care of.

I’d like to tell you a little bit about the status of the electrical situation here on the base. As most of you know, the family housing is now being feed with electricity. As you saw last night, the lights and the heat came on. Thank Goodness. We’re getting enough power from the electrical grid to power just that. Everything else you see with lights on, with the exception of the BX and Commissary is being powered by generator, back-up power sources. We have a lot of those generators getting flown into us from other bases around PACAF, they’re supporting us with all the requests we have. But, as you might imagine, I can’t run everything on this base under those conditions. So we’re having to choose the mission essential items, and community essential items and run those. So you will not see everything coming back until we get a full push from the electrical grid. And it may be a little while before they can do that, they’re having a difficult time re-engineering on the fly, if you will , how they are generating and distributing electricity around the nation of Japan. We’re a pretty good user in terms of quantity there, and they’re giving us what we need for our housing and our homes and we’re generating the rest for our mission

That being said, we’re jumping straight into the mission of Operation Tomodaichi. We’ve already sent rescue and aid teams out of the base today. They came in last night, spent the night with us and they are already out the door heading into the disaster area. There will be much more flowing in here, we will become an airlift hub for the relief operations, so things will get busy for us in terms of supporting that.

I’d like to give a few shout outs here. Our civil engineers have been working their tails off to get this base back up and running under less than optimal circumstances. These guys are doing fantastic things for all of us, this is their home, their families and they are working as hard as can be. We’d also like to welcome 59 CE professionals from Kadena and a few other bases around the pacific. They flew in within 24 hours to help us get our base up and running and give us everything they could offer.

Also, our FSS folks that are running the mokuteki, that are running all of our services facilities around the base. These folks are the hub of our community right now, as many of you saw when you went to have dinner at the Grissom dining Facility and so forth. They’ve been the hub of our community as a true FSS really is, and they are just doing wonderful things for us, so give those folks a hand and a smack on the back, if you would, when you get to see them.

Our LRS professionals are doing wonders right now and moving cargo and getting geared up to move a lot of cargo and relief supplies through this airfield as we start to move it forward.

We have lots of folks in uniform signed up to be augmentees, AUGFOR we call it, augmentation force. And the community volunteers are just coming out of the woodwork trying to find ways to help. It’s truly an honor to be around a community that’s showing this much warmth and this much caring about trying to help the community even while we ourselves are still recovering from what happened.

Folks, I’d like to thank you for your patience as we recover the base. Please be judicious with your use of the electricity as it’s not over yet. We don’t have everything we need so use it wisely as we’re trying to use it wisely to get the mission done and make sure the community is supported.

Folks, thanks so much. We’ve been truly lucky in this event. So many other people out there have been much less fortunate than us and we’re going to do everything we can to help them out. It’s an honor to be here and work with everyone of you and be a part of this Misawa community. I wish you all the best, please be safe.

About 7 Hours Ago:
Misawa students on the 5:15 flight to Misawa Arriving at 7:15 PM. Parents pick up students at Edgren High School.

About 3 Hours Ago:
It's all about CONSERVATION baby!

Effective Immediately, the following energy savings requirements are in effect at Misawa AB:

Housing:

Turn off all lighting in all rooms with windows during daylight hours. Only two rooms per dwelling should be lit during night hours.

Personal showers will be limited to 5 minutes.

Wash is limited to one load per day per household and washed in cold water only. Hang as many items to dry as possible.

Only one media item should be utilized at any given time – one computer, one TV, etc.

Minimize usage of stovetop and oven preparation. Focus on microwave cooking.

Unplug all unnecessary plug loads – lists of phantom power items are available on the internet.

If you have a thermostat-controlled dwelling, set temperature to 18C/64F.

If power is lost in your area, secure power to all loads known to have been powered when electricity was lost.

Industrial Areas:

Turn off all lighting in all rooms with windows during daylight hours. Maximize use of task lighting during night hours.

Turn off all air compressors not in use.

Unplug all non-essential loads including ALL refrigerators and ALL DRINK machines, photocopiers, printers, digital senders, fax machines and computer monitors.

Turn off all parking lot lighting.

Set internal building temperature to 18C/64F.

Minimize security lighting.

IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT AS TO WHETHER YOU SHOULD SECURE POWER TO AN ITEM, CONTACT CE CUSTOMER SERVICE OR ENERGY 226-3965

About 2 Hours Ago:
Stress Response Information:

This is your Misawa Air Base Traumatic Stress Response Team Chief, Dr. Derhodes, with information on possible physical and emotional reactions you or your family might experience in response to the recent earth quake. The Misawa community has suffered a natural disaster that affected individuals and families across Japan. As you begin to resume your normal activities with your family and children, it is normal to experience uncertainty. Experiences will vary from person to person and will affect you in a variety of ways. Possible reactions might include upset stomach, headaches, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, fatigue, fear, nightmares, guilt and sadness. if you or your family would like more information on what to expect in the coming months and how to best help your family through this difficult time, come to the Mokuteki ballroom on Thursday, march 17th at 1 pm and 5 pm for a brief informational meeting with the traumatic stress response team of which includes representatives from the chapel, airman and family readiness and mental health.

About 17 Hours Ago:

Energy Conservation Critical Requirements:

In an effort to conserve Misawa’s resources, all personnel will implement the following measures:

2. Fuels:

POVs

a) Car pool when possible

b) Reduce vehicle use as necessary

c) Walk or ride bicycles to your destination

d) If you own two vehicle, refuel only one vehicle per week versus both

GOVs

a) Car pool when possible

b) Reduce vehicle use to mission essential

c) Walk or ride bicycles to your destination

d) Refuel vehicle only when tank is ½ full, not including emergency services

e) If units have multiple vehicles, please use the diesel vechicles first

3. Water:

a) Set the dish washer to the fasterst setting (i.e. the pots and pans setting uses more water than just a quick wash)

b) Turn off the dry heat option to save energy

c) Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean

d) Reduce shower time to 5 mins

e) Wash fruits and vegetable in a pot of water rather than washing them under running water

f) Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shaving, and washing your hands

g) Consider washing your face and brushing your teeth in the shower

h) Educate young children in water conservation by teaching to turn off faucet knobs tightly

i) Wash dark clothes in cold water to save both water and energy

j) Reuse shower towels

4. Electricity: ALL PERSONNEL must do their part to conserve electricity. Minimize the use of washers, dryers, and electrical appliances. Switch off house lights when not in use and do not use external lighting.

5. Everyone’s support will be required to ease Misawa Air Base back to normal conditions.

About 17 Hours Ago:
Morning Misawa! The theme today: CONSERVE ENERGY!! See some requirements now posted in our Notes section. We've all gotta do what we gotta do to get our base to normal... CONSERVE!

About 14 Hours Ago:
Misawa- DoDDs Schools are closed tomorrow-Wednesday

About 12 Hours Ago:
For everyone on commercial power there is a scheduled power outage planned for today from 1:00pm to 1:30pm.

About 12 Hours Ago:
Donations are now being taken at Edgren Middle School gym. Please donate only excess items you already have on hand, do not go to the commissary and BX to purchase items to donate. While we need to assist the local community we also need to conserve the resources we have on base for our residents.

About 11 Hours Ago:
Donations are now being taken at Edgren Middle School gym for non-perishable food items. Donation hours for Tuesday are until 5pm and for Wednesday 9am till noon. Please donate only excess items you already have on hand, do not go to the commissary to purchase items to donate. While we need to assist the local community we also need to conserve the resources we have on base for our residents.

About 11 Hours Ago:
Hello Community-let's clear this up...Donations are being taken for non-perishable food AND clothes. It's happening at the Middle school gym now (Tuesday) til 5pm and again on Wednesday from 9 to noon.

About 11 Hours Ago:
Misawa Personnel,

In order to conserve Misawa’s resources, it is imperative that ALL PERSONNEL implement the below conservation measures. Relief effort support is still ongoing. You may see transient individuals from news media such as CNN, CBS, and ABC etc around the base. There are also relief aid organizations such as USAID using Misawa as a hub as we support Operation TOMODACHI. We are also preparing to provide help/assistance to our Japanese community. Please be aware that some residents of the local community may be housed on-base.

ENERGY CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

- Keep lights off inside daylight lit rooms/two rooms lit during dark

- Use one media item at a time (one computer, one TV, etc.)

- Minimize stovetop/oven preparation, focus on using microwave

- Set thermostats in controlled dwellings to 18C/64F

- Minimize use of washers, dryers, and electrical appliances

- Unplug appliances that are not being used

- Refrain from using not essential power (dryers, toasters, etc.)

WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

- Reduce showers to 5 mins; wash face/brush teeth in shower

- Turn off faucet when brushing teeth, shaving, washing hands

- Wash fruits and veggies in a pot of water vs. running water

- Soak pots/pans instead of letting water run while you clean it

- Wash dark and light clothes in cold water and reuse towels

- Set dish washer to fastest setting (quick wash vs. pot & pans)

- Report water leaks to 35 CES Customer Service at 226-9350

FUEL CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

POV

- Car pool when possible

- Reduce vehicle use as necessary

- Walk or ride bicycles to your destination

- If you own two vehicles, refuel one vehicle per week

GOV

- Car pool when possible

- Reduce vehicle use as necessary

- Walk or ride bicycles to your destination

- Refuel vehicles only when tank is ½ empty

- If units have multiple vehicles, use diesel first

- Concerning the nuclear reactor situation, the United States Force Japan Public Affairs office stated, “there is no danger to any military installation at this time.” We will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel and their families. Official studies indicate that Misawa is far enough away to never be impacted by the nuclear disaster at the three affected facilities. Misawa is 232 miles north of Fukushima. Normal seasonal winds are from the northwest. Radioactive contamination (LOW) is expected to travel 42 miles.

- AT&T land-line and cell phone calls, up to 60 mins, from the US to Japan are free through 31 Mar 11. On-base residential phones dial 011-81-176-66-XXXX and cell phones dial 011-81-80(or 90)-XXXX-XXXX . For additional information visit www.att.com.

- A NIPRnet café with 37 PCs has been established in Bldg 512/513. This is for official use ONLY.

- Due to limited providers at the School-Age Program and Child Development Center, mission essential personnel needing childcare should contact their UCCs for more information.

- Effective 15 Mar 11 0900L, Grissom Dining Facility hot meals will be available for all personnel during the below hours:

Breakfast - 0530-0800L
Lunch - 1030-1300L
Dinner - 1630-1930L
Midnight - 2230-0030L

MREs and box lunches are available 24/7 for mission essential personnel

- The Falcon Feeder is closed until further notice.

- The Giant Voice system is operational. Please pay close attention to all messages transmitted.

- Visit the Red Cross station at the EFACC if you want to volunteer. Monetary donations can be made through the Red Cross at www.redcross.org

- Non-perishable donation items (canned food, blankets, clothes, etc.) are being collected at Edgren High School (middle gym) on 15 Mar from 0900-1700L.

- Mokuteki Community Center (Open 24 hours) main ballroom is the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC) 226-2879 or 226-2692, which will be used as a source of information and provide briefings at 0800 and 1600L. Chaplains and mental health professionals will be available at the Mokuteki to give assistance. Six phone lines are available for 3-minute morale calls. They are currently accepting cash, check, and yen. 35 CPTS is offering a $50.00 cash advance per person for Army, Navy, AF, DoDDS, and GS personnel. A full menu is now available at Café Mokuteki. Chapel staff are available 24/7 and can be reached at 226-3756.

- 911 from off-base to on-base is now functional.

- The Base Exchange ATMs are functional but Community Bank ATM is intermittent. Community Bank will be open 15 Mar 11 from 1000-1400L.

- Navy personnel may contact the NAF UCC at 226-4610/4680.

- Due to intermittent power, it is recommended to use the stairs instead of the elevators.

- The Commissary (DECA) will be open on Tuesday-Saturday 0900-1900L and Sunday 1000-1700L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit/debit card with $25 cash back. Water and bread is limited and being rationed two per customer. Power is full up and there will be bakery and deli services.

- Residential phones in the North Area and Main Base are functional and you can now call on/off base. Internet is working for main base; please follow the below instruction to check your status:

- Power down your devices in this order: 1) Modem 2) Router 3) PC

- Power up your devices in this order: 1) Modem 2) Router 3) PC

- The Exchange will be open 15 Mar 11 0900-2100L. The Food Court will be opened from 0700-2000L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit).

- The Main Base Shoppette will be on 15 Mar 11 from 0800-1600L. They are currently accepting cash, check, and credit card (no debit). Customers are limited to only two of the same item. North Area Shoppette and Food Court will remain closed until further notice.

- 35 FW/JA drafted a memo to AF Claims Service Center requesting authority to pay claims for earthquake-related damages. If available, private insurance coverage is primary. Before discarding damaged items (unless unsafe to keep), JA recommends taking photographs and/or video documentation. Navy will handle claims separately.

- The Post Office will be open on 15 Mar 11 from 0900-1500L for Parcel Pick-up. Incoming mail is being distributed to boxes and outgoing is restricted to 16 oz or less.

- Schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday and Terra Nova testing has been delayed. Teachers should call or report into their school’s front office between 1000-1200L each day.

- Schools are also closed on Wednesday

- Mission essential personnel & those supporting recovery operations are to report to work on 15 Mar 11.

- The on- AND off-base water supply is potable and safe for drinking. Off-base residents should run their water for at least 2 minutes before using/consuming.

- 35 CES is currently working to restore the steam distribution capability. Facility managers must continue to maintain vigilance when monitoring their buildings and immediately report any water or steam leaks/damage directly to their UCC. Residents should report damage to 35 CES Customer Service at 226-9350.

- Leave, TDY, and deployed personnel are authorized for return travel to Misawa; those members with already scheduled TDY and leave will gain approval from their unit commanders.

- All inbound Permanent Change of Stations (PCSs) have been delayed until further notice.

- Potter Fitness Center has heat, hot water, but limited lighting. 5-minute showers are available to personnel. Please bring all toiletries such as shampoo, soap, towels, etc. In order to conserve electricity, DO NOT bring electrical items such as hair dryers.

- The base hospital is operational and available for anyone who is requiring medical & dental care. Patients are to walk-in the Urgent Care Center for medical needs.

- The main base AAFES gas station will be operational on 15 Mar 11 from 0700-1630L. Customers must prepay with cash, check or credit card (no debit card) and are limited to 10 gals/vehicle. POV access to the military service station to receive government-owned fuel has been suspended.

- Phase 2 of Exercise BEVERLY SUNRISE 11-02 has been canceled and all Misawa mission operations will focus on Operation TOMODACHI.

- UOD will be ABU/BDU/Flight Suit through the duration of the Contingency Operation.

Please continue to remain patient as we work to help Misawa Air Base recover from the damage to our community.

Very Respectfully,
Misawa Air Base Emergency Operations Center

About 9 Hours Ago:
Misawa- Allied Telesis has put the Fox News Network on channel 21. It's free to everyone on base. Thanks for your support!

About 7 Hours Ago:
Allied Telesis has made the following channels available to the Misawa Community free of charge.

Fox news on Channel 21
CNN-J on Channel 22
BBC World on Channel 23
...
Remember to stay tuned to AFN Misawa AM 1575 for recovery updates at 5 after the hour.

About 3 Hours Ago:
Col Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing Commander is on AFN AM 1575 Right now!

About 2 Hours Ago:
Misawa- We know theres a lot of concern about the Nuclear Plants. While there is NO THREAT to our community, you may feel better if you check out this site. It's the International Atomic Energy Agency-a reliable source for your information.

http://www.iaea.org/

About 1 Hour Ago:
Misawa, we'll continue to re-air Col Rothstein's words at :30 minutes after the hour catch him next time at 11:30

Everyone, if you want to keep up-to-date on what's going on here in Misawa and recovery effort in Northern Japan check out AFN Misawa on Facebook