MCAS Futenma USO Celebrates Grand Reopening

Photo By Sgt. Kayla Staten | A rakugan, a Japanese dried dessert, made of rice flour and powder sugar, is displayed during a Ryukyuan “Buku-Buku” tea ceremony at the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma United Service Organizations office, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 16, 2020. The peculiar bubbly tea history dates back to the Ryukyu Dynasty era when it was used to entertain accredited Chinese envoys when they visited. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kayla V. Staten)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

01.16.2020

Story by Cpl. Kayla Staten 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma leadership, representatives from sponsors, the United Service Organizations (USO) Okinawa team, and members of the U.S. military community participated in a grand reopening ceremony Jan. 16, at the MCAS Futenma USO office, Okinawa, Japan.

A section of the USO office was closed since April 2018 for renovations, but it wasn’t completely closed. The USO made it a priority to ensure service members were being taking care of.

“I was impressed that they were not going to close while the work was taking place, I thought they would be out of commission for several months but in true character they kept it open for the Marines and sailors," said Sgt. Maj. Jason Kappen, sergeant major of MCAS Futenma.

"This is a testament to the level of service the USO offers. No matter what is going on here they are going to take care of us, and for that we are very appreciative. This is truly a home away from home," he said.

The USO has a main lounge, eight computer stations, 11 laptops for check out, a small theater with 25 leather recliners, a gaming room with seven individual gaming stations, a 75-inch multiplayer gaming station, a fully equipped conference room that seats 20 people, ping pong tables, billiards, outdoor patio, fire pit, BBQ, and lawn.

Nobu’s Curry restaurant and AIG Insurance are also within the USO office. Services available include Wi-Fi, streaming services, charging stations and printing.

Programs include weekly Wednesday meals starting at 1700, and late-night meals on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 2200. The USO office even includes cultural events such as Japanese cooking classes and temple visits.

“The overall goal for the remodel of the USO Futenma was to upgrade our 12,000 square foot space to modernize it, making it more usable and applicable to our service members," said Kayla Stamey, field programs manager and lead designer of MCAS Futenma USO office.

“For example, we created several casual and professional work spaces for marines and sailors that can accommodate play as well as career development to mirror their lifestyles," she said.

For more information on programs, resources, volunteering or donating opportunities in your area, contact your local USO office.

• Date Taken: 01.16.2020
• Date Posted: 01.19.2020 00:34
• Story ID: 359548
• Location: OKINAWA, JP