Iwakuni HomeFAQ
Q: In addition, since recent findings over at the health clinic found traces of bacteria in the water supply, have other locations (specifically newer housing) been tested for the same bacteria? If so what were the results?
A: MCAS-I Environmental takes water samples on the main base and Atago Hills housing every two weeks. The Branch Health Clinic Iwakuni's water program and system is controlled by the clinic's independent contractors, not MCAS-I Environmental. With the exception of one, specific water sample from a water fountain in the clinic, all other tests came back negative and are routinely tested.
Q. Can you please clarify if MCAS Iwakuni plans to re-test for lead anytime soon as the report indicates that the last testing for lead was done in 2015.
A: The last lead and copper sampling was conducted in the summer of 2018. The test results were all negative.
Q: I need to attend the motorcycle safety course to ride a motorcycle, but there are not enough motorcycle safety courses available. Why are motorcycle safety courses not offered as often as in the past?
A: Training is conducted on a first-come-first serve basis and is up to the normal, everyday training schedule of the instructors. All attempts are currently being made to train new rider-coach instructors to assist with the backlog of applicants. The lag is mainly due to the limitation of instructors and the requirements to become an instructor. Station Safety has made great progress in the recent months and is striving to get the situation amended in the quickest, safest way possible.
Q: Will the installation's new housing policy limit civilians' ability to live on base?
A: The current housing order is being updated to ensure compliance with higher installation directives, while removing unnecessary limiting factors. The new housing order's intent is to not remove civilians from base housing. Civilians aboard the installation are an important part of our total force and are an invaluable asset to the air station and community. As the base's transformation continues, newly constructed housing facilities will be available so there is sufficient housing for everyone in the end state.
Q: Is there a dog park on base?
Answer: The temporary dog park is located by the tennis courts. The temporary dog park is maintained by dog park users, therefore, trash removal and mowing are managed by the community members. The newly installed dog park is located in Monzen, near the ball field. However, it is currently under renovation due to water retention and runoff problems but is expected to reopen in Dec 2017. The installation is currently looking at adding an additional dog park on the North side and is expected for delivery in 2018-2019, pending transformational DPRI construction. At the moment, dog owners can walk their leashed dogs throughout the majority of the base.
Q: What is the process authorizing guests to stay overnight on base? How soon, and to where, do I need to submit my request?
Answer: For overnight visits with guests staying on base, an "Extended Visitation Request" will be submitted to the PMO Administrative Section in building 608. The request will need to be endorsed by the Temporary Lodging Facility, Kintai Inn, or Bachelor/Family Housing prior to final submission to PMO. The form is available on the PMO SharePoint for MCEN users, or MCAS Iwakuni Marines.mil site. Look for the organization tab, select "station", find PMO, and under "Administration Office", you will find the PDF fillable form (24 hours or more). Complete the form, acquire endorsements, and take to building 608, PMO Admin office (2nd Deck) for processing. Please allow at least 7 business days for an "Extended Visitation Request." Passes for special events with multiple visitors could take up to three weeks to complete.
Q: Are drivers required to honk before backing up in both a POV and a GOV? If so, what is the reason for this rule since no other base or anywhere in Japan does this?
Answer: Yes, in accordance with the Air Station traffic order (MCASO 5560.8B - Chapter 5, paragraph 5.g.(5)). Per the Station order, "The driver shall sound the horn prior to backing any vehicle." Honking the horn prior to backing up was a station safety initiative aimed at reducing the number of backing accidents that resulted from inattentive drivers. The intent is to honk to alert others in the immediate area and then look to ensure the path is clear before moving your vehicle.
Q: On most installations the barber shop opens at 0700, why doesn't the barbershop on Iwakuni have better hours?
Answer: The current barber shop operating hours were negotiated to open 30 minutes earlier per day on weekdays and by two hours per day on Saturday and Sunday when the most recent contract was implemented. Marine Corps Community Services has the ability to approach the barbering concessionaire and request the opening hours be adjusted to 0700 but this will need to be a bilateral agreement between both parties.
Q: Is there a pet-friendly hotel on base?
Answer: The Torii Pines Temporary Lodging Facility has 78 rooms, which includes 8 pet-friendly rooms. First priority goes to personnel PCS'ing to or from MCAS Iwakuni, and pet-friendly rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Is there a plan to put water fountains on the seawall?
Answer: Unfortunately, there is currently not a plan to install water fountains on the seawall. The seawall construction and restoration project will preclude any new infrastructure work along the seawall until its completion in fiscal year 2017. The installation of water fountains would require excavation and installation of a plumbing system to multiple locations along the seawall. However, we encourage personnel who are interested in the installation of water fountains to request it via the ICE system. Only then can we see if there is a significant request from base population.
Q: What is the process for replacing lightbulbs in on-base housing? Is there a 'how to' guide available for fixing things that the housing office is not responsible for?
Answer: Per our housing order, most repairs can be performed by the resident such as unclogging drains, replacing lightbulbs, repairing window screens, and touching up paint. The Housing Resident Manual is given to each family unit and provides guidance on handling any repairs or maintenance that would be considered "beyond routine" and would require a service call. For guidance, residents should contact the Self-Help Office in building 200 prior to placing a service call. Residents should not attempt any repairs to any electrical wiring or systems. All work required or approved for performance by a resident is self-help work, and depending on the nature of the work, the cost may be shared between the resident and the housing office. Self-help equipment and materials cannot be issued to single or unaccompanied service members, and the only items available for off-base accompanied members are lawn care items. Residents cannot attempt new construction or alterations except those that are authorized by the housing director. The following list includes, but is not limited to the following:
Rear patio covers
Patio gates
New interior walls or partitions
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