I went on vacation March 1st and am due to return to ikego on March 31st. My question is will I be allowed to? I have heard that SOFA members won't be allowed into the country until the all clear has been given. Is this true? Also, for those that are still on base...Is the commissary and hospital still up and running?
thank you in advance
Jennifer

Everything is running with the exception of some MWR operations (couple clubs closed, etc) and some places with shortened hours. Everything essential is open (well, there is some trouble with NFCU) and it's getting better everyday.

In the Town Hall Meeting Admiral Willard made it sound like people could return --but the government will not pay for it. Like if people who left on the Voluntary Departure want to come back before the Military arranges a flight home --it's on their own dime. You left on your own, so this doesn't mean you but I wouldn't bother filing for your flight expenses like others are wondering about.

Within doubt still contact your Ombudsman.

I have no plans to ask for reimbursement on the tickets. I purchased these back in November so no need to ask for funds back. I have just gotten word that SOFA members would not be allowed to return until the all clear is given.

Hmmm. Apparently things have changed since Tuesday. That sucks.

Why do you say that Elizabeth? I wonder what the truth is as no one can help me not even the ombudsman...

Because on Tuesday when we had the town hall meeting with the PACOM Admiral your question was asked --he said, yes they could come back. But it won't be paid for (if you took the voluntary departure and want to return early).

There is nothing stopping people coming back early. The Embassy/Government has not issued a "no travel" statement. They're only saying to leave the problem areas and to differ travel to Japan if possible. But they do NOT say to cease travel here, just that it's a recommendation.

The only thing that I have read is that people coming here on PCS and TAD cannot for the time being because there is a "Stop Movement" order. But I haven't heard anything that bars people from flying home --where did you here that SOFA members could not return?

I guess wait until the sun comes up here today and see what kind of info is put out --as it's constantly changing.

A friend of mine got the information from a higher up wife...my big thing is i don't want to get all the way to narita and be turned away.
Thank you for all your responses

I am currently in a similar situation: I'm a spouse who left pre-evacuation, on my own dime, and I am scheduled to return to Japan this Sunday. I am currently in contact with my husband's command, and I am due to hear back from them regarding this issue sometime today. (Prior to today, I was told I had the "all clear" to return as scheduled; however, I'm double-checking with them today to make sure this still holds true.) I'll be sure to let you know what I find out.

Xtine~May I ask what command is your spouse with? My only concern is the power outages and trying to get back to normal with school and such. I just don't want to regret my decision about coming back and then not be able to leave.

i think this is the letter that was sent out that has people thinking they cannot return. Does anyone know whether this is still valid or if it has been replaced with newer guidance?

http://www.yokota.af.mil/shared/med...17-052.pdf

Posted By sean93535 on 03-25-2011 11:17 AM
i think this is the letter that was sent out that has people thinking they cannot return. Does anyone know whether this is still valid or if it has been replaced with newer guidance?

http://www.yokota.af.mil/shared/med...17-052.pdf

That letter reads the same way that the one from Yokosuka does.  If you read it carefully, it simply states that the dependents can not return until the voluntary departure program is over (or when the "all clear" is issued ) at that point a return ticket should be authorized for those who left under the Voluntary Departure Program.

I would imagine that if the dependents returned on their own dime, that they would not be entitled to reimbursement for the ticket at that point.

Posted By usnpinoy on 03-25-2011 5:37 PM

Posted By sean93535 on 03-25-2011 11:17 AM
i think this is the letter that was sent out that has people thinking they cannot return. Does anyone know whether this is still valid or if it has been replaced with newer guidance?

http://www.yokota.af.mil/shared/med...17-052.pdf

That letter reads the same way that the one from Yokosuka does.  If you read it carefully, it simply states that the dependents can not return until the voluntary departure program is over (or when the "all clear" is issued ) at that point a return ticket should be authorized for those who left under the Voluntary Departure Program.

I would imagine that if the dependents returned on their own dime, that they would not be entitled to reimbursement for the ticket at that point.

And this is exactly what Admiral Willard said in the Town Hall Meeting. So I really don't think travel back to Japan is prohibited on your own dime.

But I guess we need a definite answer. :/

Yes, an answer would be nice...I have already changed my tickets to return on april 14th...at this point, I have no choice b/c the next change is on my dime..the airlines changed it for free one time.
hoping by then all will be better