YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan –
The 374th Medical Group started administering COVID-19 vaccines to local employees, including Master Labor Contractors and Indirect Hire Agreement, (MLC/IHA) who wish to be vaccinated, June 18.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Japan and United States Forces Japan have coordinated closely to combat the virus.
As USFJ has made great progress vaccinating its personnel, the GOJ and USFJ concurred, that USFJ will start administering vaccine doses to local employees who wish to be vaccinated by USFJ.
Vaccinating local employees will contribute to the prevention of further spread of COVID-19 in Japan and will protect the resilience of the alliance.
“Finally, we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Keita Nanko, 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield management “Nobody has had this kind of experience before.”
As COVID-19 swept through the nation of Japan last year, Nanko frequently would telework.
“My job is on the airfield, so I need to come in,” said Nanko. “After I got vaccinated, I do not need to be afraid of COVID!”
The vaccinations will also ensure steady operations of USFJ, further enabling the U.S. Government to protect the security of Japan and the Indo-Pacific.
“The Japanese citizens who serve beside us every day aren’t just employees –instead they’re family, vital to our community and mission.” said Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander.
“I’m thankful for both the permission to offer the vaccine to everyone at Yokota and the overwhelming enthusiasm from our local friends and colleagues to get vaccinated.”