The face of Misawa base housing changes, policies don't

  • Published
  • By Airman Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Due to on-base renovations, military families moving to Misawa Air Base may be asked to live off-base as early as March or April, said Avery Borders, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, chief of capital asset management element. However, the on-base first policy will not be changed or revoked, said Borders.

"We are following the on-base first policy. However, with all of the renovations we have taking place, we are potentially looking at running into a temporary shortage," said Borders.

The on-base first policy was instituted at Misawa in September 2009. The policy states that accompanied, active duty military members assigned to Misawa are to be housed on base. However, due to the post acquisition improvement process, PAIPs, incoming families will be asked to move off-base until on-base homes open up again.

Last year was the completion of the first and second renovation phases, where approximately 596 homes were renovated. The third renovation phase began last August and 224 homes are currently being renovated. According to Borders, renovation phase four may start this fall.

Renovation phases one through four are whole house renovations. After 20 years, Borders said, houses are due for modernization. These renovations take care of infrastructure issues, such as plumbing, exterior improvement, entrance ways, increased parking, and improvements to common areas and parks.

Future improvements may include: installing carports over parking spaces in family housing, adding storage spaces and laying out government furnished fencing for houses, said Borders.

Another improvement being explored, particularly sensitive to on-base residents during Misawa's hot summer months, is air conditioning. Options to enhance the base' s infrastructure and increase the power supply to support weatherization are currently being explored.

According to Borders, the overall cost for the past three phases came to $158 million. During phase one, $52.7 million was spent on renovations. During phase two, $68 million was spent and during phase three, $37.3 million was spent.

"We are doing our best to bring the houses up to contemporary standards," said Col. John Griffin, 35th Mission Support Group commander, "One of the most sacred things we have in the Air Force is our military family housing. Misawa and the Air Force have a commitment to give Airmen the best quality houses we can."

Griffin asks residents to remain patient and be understanding during the renovation phases. He also adds that the phases are a collaborative effort by many organizations and in the next couple years more than 1,950 houses will be renovated.