Introduction of USFJ Employees
Introducing employees from different professions available at U.S. military bases throughout JapanUS Marine Counter Attendant
Corps CampAAFES Okinawa Exchange Ms. Nakamura Marika
Foster

Iwakuni Welder
Air Base MCAS IWA FAC.DEPT. FAC MAINT BR,OFF SM/W Mr. Watanabe GoroI support to improve the quality of life of the US Marines andtheir family members while they are stationed on Okinawa

Create a comfortable workplace

I am a supervisor at a Taco Bell restaurant located on Camp Foster (also known as Camp Zukeran). We sell a wide variety of
Mexican food items like Tacos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Burritos, etc. at Taco Bell, which is a very popular restaurant chain in the
United States. Most of the people who visit our restaurant are regular customers, so we know what they are going to order
before they even tell us. It is so fun to see the satisfaction of our customers when we provide accurate, delicious, quick andfriendly service to them.
I have been working on base already 5 years. I started my career as an Hourly Pay Temporary Counter Attendant at the Taco
Bell restaurant on Camp Hansen, which is another Marine Base located about an hour away from Camp Foster, right after I
graduated from High School. I then took a Permanent part- time supervisory position at Hansen after 3 years. I just moved toCamp Foster Taco Bell recently since it is closer to my house.
There are many chances for development and promotions on American Bases. And working conditions, benefits andopportunities are the same for men and women. I am glad to be part of this organization and willing to continue my career here.

U.S.Fleet Fire Protection Inspector
Activities, COMMANDER NAVY REGION JAPAN・FIRE&EM SVC
Yokosuka YOKOSUKA OPS DIV
Ms. Miura Kaede

Fire Chief (Shipboard)
COMMANDER NAVY REGION JAPAN・FIRE&EM SVC
YOKOSUKA OPS DIV

Mr. Karagishi Ichiro

Safety is my primary concern as a Fire Inspector

World-class rescue technology and battleship ﬁre response

The Fire Prevention Office conducts on-site inspections for all thebuildings and facilities on Yokosuka naval base. Consecutively, we
prepare inspection reports and conduct follow-up inspections asneeded. In addition, we support fire prevention events on base andoff base. Through the FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, we provide Fire
Safety Educational Classes, Evacuation Drills and Fire Extinguisher
Trainings for base employees, residents, students of educational
institution. Sharing our knowledge with the community is one of theattractive points of this job. I feel fine and even more motivated whenpeople express appreciation
to us through our daily
activities. This job requires us
fine judgement, extensive
knowledge and interpersonalcommunication skills. I would
like to aim for Fire Prevention
Environment to make people
safe by helping each otherwithin a community.

I work for Commander Navy Region Japan, Fire Department as a Fire Chief at
Yokosuka Navy Base. I am always aware that I am in a position of responsibility asa supervisor in the daily operations, scheduling, personnel transfers, emergency
dispatches, and all other aspects of my subordinate firefighters. In addition to the
Yokosuka district, the Kanto region includes the Ikego, Negishi, Atsugi, Sasebo,
and Okinawa districts, with 15 fire stations throughout Japan, employing over 400
personnel. The members frequently conduct firefighting and emergency response
activities, as well as joint training based on a mutual agreement (an arrangement
whereby both parties cooperate in responding to major disasters) with neighboring
Japanese city fire departments. Firefighting support to the 7th
Fleet is also an important part of our work, and we conduct morethan 30 fire response drills per year with destroyers, cruisers,
and aircraft carriers of the 7th Fleet, learning from the fire thatbroke out on the battleship USS Bon Homme Richard in San
Diego in July 2020. Those who are unfamiliar with U.S. militarybases are often surprised to learn that Japanese nationals servein the fire brigade at U.S. Nav y bases. My super visor is
American, so I have many opportunities to speak English. I am
not very good at it, so with the help of those around me, I am
motivated to learn English and find my work rewarding every day!

Kadena Guard Supervisor
Air Base 18 SECURITY FORCES SQ Mr. Miyagi MasatoshithWork to contribute to the local community
The 18 th Air Wing, at Kadena Base (known as a significant location (keystone) in the Pacific), plays an importantrole in the peacekeeping of the region.
I am proud of my work that enables me to contribute to the protection and safety of the base and to the creation ofa peaceful environment for the local community along with the military police and the soldiers at Kadena Base.
After my experience working at the gate and on patrol, as supervisor of security guards, I am currently in chargeof supervising and teaching including the nurturing of dozens of troops.
Earlier, I felt motivated to work when I used what I learned through training in practice and when I was thanked bypeople. But now I truly feel happy to be doing this job when I see junior employees doing their daily work well,enduring rigorous training, and growing daily.
In the future too, I would like to nurture many more young troop members through a lot of training and practice; tocontribute to the community; and to foster human resources who can play an active role in protecting the peace of
the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

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Introduction of USFJ Employees

The Welding Plant of the Depar tment of Facilities of the Iwakuni Base conducts
welding-related work such as cutting and welding of iron pipes and steel plates;
assembling and installing iron doors and rollers; and assembling and repairing pit
covers, brackets, frames, and columns. My job (foreman) includes on-site supervision.
I create work plans with the aim of ensuring that the work is carried out in a safe andsecure manner.
In addition, we receive orders, check drawings and materials, and position suitable staff
at the sites. Welding work is the primary duty in the factory. I think welding in which metal
is bonded is the same as the characters a person writes, as it has the stamp of theindividuality of each person, and it is interesting as one can come to know immediately
who has performed the welding task.
When I became a welder, in the world of craftsmanship, the custom was to learn workthrough observation, but now the welders are young craftsmen and the workplace is aplace which young people can easily join because knowledge and skills are taught in akind and easy-to-understand manner. In the factory, we have a meeting of about fiveminutes before work every morning, and reinforce our aim of creating a safe workplace without any accidents.
The precise goal is to create a safe and comfortable working environment.
* Foreman is the term used for supervisors engaged in skilled and labor work.

U.S.Fleet Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic
Activities,
Sasebo NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND FAR EAST Mr. Kato Masashi
Even though the previous job was in a different ﬁeld,
I could rest assured that there is a training system in place
My main job is to install new air conditioning equipment, refrigeration and refrigeration equipment, repair, andperform preventive maintenance management for all facilities in the Sasebo base. All major buildings in thebase are equipped with air-conditioning facilities, and if, by some rare chance, they stop operating, anemergency response is required as soon as possible.
We make full use of advanced technology, good teamwork, and hard work to investigate the cause and to
repair quickly. When I get a word of thanks from the customers, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
Before I joined the job, I was engaged in work in a completely different field, and I was very anxious about
whether I would be able to fulfill my duties. But, since this workplace is equipped with a training system, it
was possible for me to acquire the necessary technical training programs and work diligently.
In the future, in addition to acquiring skills, knowledge, and technical qualifications, my main goal is tobecome one of the important pillars of the workplace as soon as possible, while also acquiring English skills.

Camp
Zama

Engineer
JED,PRG&PRJ MGT DIV

Ms. Tomblin Mika

I feel a sense of satisfaction when the buildings arecompleted and handed over to the new occupants
We are responsible for establishing new construction of facilities on the base, which I am involved in fromproposal to completion and handing over of the facilities.
As for new construction, each project takes about ten years to complete. A lot of negotiation andcoordination are required to complete a project. I feel a great sense of satisfaction when the building has
been finally constructed with a lot of time and effort, and when it is handed over to the new occupants.
Sometimes it is required to have telephone communications with the POCs over the several different timezones and I am still struggling with my English skills.
I would like to improve my English skills and do my best to coordinate in greater detail.

Introduction of USFJ Employees

08

Camp
Zama

JanitorCUSTDIAL SECD, BLDG&STRUCT BR,
OP&MAINT DIV

Mr. Akaishi Tatsuhiro

Well-cleaned facility provides me a sense of attachment
and achievement.
I am engaged in cleaning work to include maintaining the cleanliness, orderliness, and hygiene of the
facilities in Camp Zama and Sagamihara Housing Area and providing a comfortable environment for thefacility users.
In my assigned area, I clean the floors, the walls, and the ceilings of the buildings, vacuum, wipe glass
surfaces, clean the blinds, collect garbage, clean toilets and shower rooms, and replenish supplies andmore, and each task is rewarding to me. I feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when I
see the restrooms, hallways, and other areas I clean become cleaner day by day.
I do my best to continue to provide a thorough cleaning service so that more users can feel comfortableusing the facilities.

U.S.Fleet Forklift Operator
Activities, DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY,
Yokosuka PACIFIC AREA

Mr. Kurokawa Takeshi

We support the comfortable life of people who are stationed here.
I work as a Forklift Operator Foreman B at the U.S. Naval Base Commissary (supermarket) in Yokosuka. I
work as a supervisor (foreman) for tasks such as receiving, storing, and shelving of goods.
The job involves the abilit y to use forklif ts, product management, English language skills, andcommunication skills.
The Commissary store supports the comfortable life of the people who have been assigned to Japan fromthe United States.
We offer products from the United States including grocery items, sundries, Japanese food items, and wefeel good that we are supporting the lives of the people on the base.
Especially in times of disaster such as typhoons and earthquakes, whenever I see customers who are
relieved to get water and canned food, I feel how important our work is. There are a lot of excellent people
in my workplace, all the employees work hard, and we keep on looking for improvements, and continue todevote ourselves to our work every day.
Together with everyone, I would like to create a store that is one step above and that makes everyone evenhappier.

Yokota Retail Store Manager
Air Base AAFES YOKOTA EXCHANGE Ms. Aihara Arisa
I want to keep on trying something new andstep up by utilizing various US Forcesʼ programs.
The reason why I decided to work at the United States Forces Japan Base was because US militaryfamilies were very nice to me when I came to the Friendship Festival when I was a kid. I could notcommunicate at that time. But I started to be interested in different cultures since then, and when I had tomake my decision as to what to do with my life, I decided to look for a job on the base.
My first job on the base was as a “Counter Attendant” at the U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi for about 3 years.
I had great opportunities to work with people from many different countries, cultures and work at special
specific Navy events, Navy Ball and Holiday Party.
As I became familiar with my status and position at work, I decided to look for advancement and cameacross the chance of Retail Shift Manager at AAFES at U.S. Air Force, Yokota Base.
This job entailed a totally different skills. When I started to work here, I struggled every day. Being in aposition as a Shift Manager required the skills of time management, priority and communication skills withthe team with other responsibilities.
AAFES has various curriculums. I had the opportunity to be selected to attend “Retail Management Academy Program” for 4 months, which broaden myperspectives in many different areas of the operation to help me with being a manager.
It was a great experience for me and I feel that these opportunities come across more inside the U.S. base. I will continue to take challenges to betterand grow myself for any chance I have to step up.

Misawa Water Analyst
Air Base 35CES/CEOIU, Water Analysis Laboratory, Water Systems Maintenance Ms. Hashimoto Hiroko
Striving for a safe and secure living environment.
I conduct water quality analysis of drinking water and wastewater for Water System Maintenance Section, Misawa Air Base.
At Misawa Air Base, we supply drinking water to the community on-base, using water sources adjacent to the base, such as groundwater and lake water.
The process of making the water safe to drink is closely connected to the natural world and is influenced by seasonal weather and the surrounding naturalenvironment. To provide safe drinking water, our daily operations involve adjusting the quantity of water inflow, chemical feeds, etc.
Similarly, with regard to wastewater discharge, we process the wastewater generated from each housing unit and workplace, based on effluent standards,
in a manner that does not cause environmental pollution, considering the impact on the natural environment.
At the Water Analysis Laboratory, we conduct water quality analysis by sampling drinking water and wastewater from field sites at each process and checkto ensure effective operation.
In water quality analysis duties which require various knowledge and skills, we all work together and make good and smooth coordination and cooperation
not only with fellow Water Analysts but also with other workers in the section such as Water Plant Operators, Sewage Disposal Plant Operators, etc.,
striving for a safe and secure living environment for the community on-base.

Camp
Personnel/Manpower Coordinating Clerk
Zukeran(Foster) G-4 Food Services Branch Ms. Miyagi Misato
Striving to create a harmonious work environment.
I am engaged in duties such as requesting base pass, personnel actions, recordkeeping the work schedule, and administration for Japanese National
employees who work under Motor Transport Branch, G-4, Marine Corps in Okinawa.
Our division has branches at Camp Hansen, Camp Foster, and Camp Kinser to which more than 200 Japanese National employees are assigned.
The main roles of Motor Transport Branch are to provide the logistics support such as transporting supplies, equipment, and heavy machinery; vehicle
lease service; safe transport support for Marines from base to base; and maintenance and repair of non-combat vehicles. Japanese National
employees working this division are highly motivated on daily basis. Because the work involves handling of vehicles, Japanese employees working
here are highly motivated on daily basis.
As I am being a clerk, I try to communicate actively with drivers and mechanics, so that the entire workplace can communicate well with each other.
This is where I can feel joy and pride of working at the forefront of US-Japan friendship.
As I have just transferred from other division, I have opportunity to learn new things. I would like to spend every day to the full to contribute to thisdivision with the knowledge that I have acquired through my work experience as well as to improve my own skills at this division.

Camp
Zama

IT Specialist
HQ USARJ, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1

Mr. Shioiri Takahiro

I support the work and life of U.S. Service Members and their families in Japan.
I am engaged in IT support services in the human resources department of the U.S. Army Japan, and my work includes many different duties ranging
from how to operate terminals to coping with system failures. In addition, in order to recruit a wide variety of people in the U.S. Army Japan, we also
conduct recruitment by utilizing Social Networking Sites (SNS).
We are working to get nationwide recognition for the work of local national employees in the U.S. Army Japan.
Currently, we are in contact with the United States Forces Japan (USFJ) and the Japanese government human relations department, and participate inmeetings with them, to coordinate the introduction of employment information for recruiting available on the internet and a recruiting system that utilizes
the internet.
Finally we have automated all processes from recruiting information to hiring, to enable faster recruitment of new employees and provide support to thehuman resources department as IT professionals.
Local national employees support U.S. Service Members and their families in Japan to enable them to work and live comfortably in peace. I find it
rewarding when they say, “I am glad I came to Japan. I would like to come back to Japan again.”, and I would like to continue to provide higher quality
services.

Camp
HansenDental Hygienist
3D DENTAL BATTALION

Ms. Kamiunten Yukari

Making the most of my previous work experience.
Patients (primarily military personnel) are required to have a dental checkup once a year and, in accordance with the doctor’s instructions, I clean theteeth of about seven to eight people a day.
Before working at the base, I was doing the same job (that of a dental hygienist) in the private sector, and when I returned to work after getting married
and having a child, I was recruited as a dental hygienist at the base that I had applied for and started working again. When patients, who were not in agood condition initially, say “thank you” with a smile on their faces upon seeing improvements after several cleanings (after a lot of time and effort havebeen expended), I feel greatly rewarded.
Anyone who wants to be an employee at the base, who is interested in American culture, and who wants to develop diverse ways of thinking, should
definitely take on this challenge.
I am sure one will be able to learn about one’s strengths while working.

● You can obtain other job information on LMO website.
https://www.lmo.go.jp/recruitment/index4.html

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Introduction of USFJ Employees

Introduction of USFJ Employees

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