End of an era at northern Japanese base

  • Published
  • By Airman Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  After seven years of deliberating the fate of Misawa Air Base' s Termination of War Housing, the decision to demolish the archaic buildings was finally made.

"The 32nd Engineering Construction Group built the structures following World War II," said Dr. Richard Clark, 35th Fighter Wing historian. "These buildings have witnessed the history of Misawa Air Base and the evolution of American and Japanese relations."

In recognition of this project's historic significance, Col. Van Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, Lt. Col. Dwayne Robison, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, Col. John Griffin, 35th Mission Support Group commander, and other distinguished visitors, attended a small ceremony to commemorate the beginning of the demolition project here Nov. 14.

Over the years, the buildings had become a financial burden and an environmental hazard as they exceeded their life expectancy, said 1st. Lt. Daniel Ledeboer, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron chief construction manager.

TOW Housing was slowly replaced with better family housing and gradually fell into disuse. Past attempts at repurposing the TOW Housing included using them for temporary lodging for families with pets or for events such as the Misawa Chief's Group Haunted House on Halloween.

"These buildings are the last visible remnants of American and Japanese history during World War II," said Col. Wimmer.

Plans for the Government of Japan to fund the construction of new chief master sergeant housing, in replacement of the TOW Housing, is still in progress.

The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron is scheduled to complete the demolition project in May 2012.

For further information about the demolition project or other housing issues, please contact the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Customer Service at 226-9350.