USO Yokota and the NFL Celebrate Newly Renovated Center

Since 2017, USO Yokota has been the cornerstone of the Yujo Community Center aboard Yokota Air Base just west of Tokyo, Japan. Serving as focal point for local information within Japan, the community center is a place for service members and families to become acquainted with the area, grab a bite to eat and maybe even decompress. Quite literally in the complex’s corner, USO Yokota serves as a beacon for those looking to relax, recharge and reconnect – now with a refreshed look.

Reopening USO Yokota

With the construction starting in late summer, the USO temporarily relocated to another area on base. Though grateful to still support the military community in a provided space, the staff and volunteers were not able to offer the full array of the USO mission.

On December 16, USO Indo-Pacific, the USO Japan area office and USO Yokota celebrated the reopening of the newly renovated facility with a ribbon cutting, delicious treats and fellowship. Base leadership and community partners were in attendance as many were able to see the changes for the first time. After a small ceremony, attendees were treated to refreshments while touring the facility and a special message from Aaron Jones, a running back with the Minnesota Vikings.

The renovation of the Yokota center was in partnership between the USO and the National Football League (NFL), part of an effort to expand the center network. For almost 60 years, the USO and NFL have partnered to enrich and strengthen the lives of American service members and their families around the globe. Salute to Service, the NFL’s year-long initiative, focuses on honoring, empowering and connecting the military community. Through this initiative, the NFL has worked with the USO to expand programs and services around the world, allowing the USO to further focus on its mission. From hosting community-building gaming events to USO Entertainment tours, this partnership allows the USO to not only bring football, but also a sense of home to service members and their families.

Home to Fifth Air Force, the 374th Airlift Wing, U.S. Forces Japan and other tenant units, Yokota Air Base has a population of over 12,000. By being able to renovate the space with the assistance of the NFL, USO Yokota is better prepared to be a resource for those who are currently serving in the Tokyo area.

“The USO Yokota center helps keep our airmen, our families - our service members all across this community - connected to home, family and country back in America,” explained Scott Maskery, USO Indo Pacific Region Vice President. “We are very far away from any hometown in America, and for us to be able to support the service members and their families while they are serving our nation doing our nation’s work, so far away from home, is why we exist.”

Center Amenities

Patrons visiting the center will now be welcomed into a warm and homey space with multiple seating areas for dining, resting and catching the big football game on one of several smart TVs. Additionally, there are several computers with a CAC reader and phones that can call North America countries, helping service members and families stay connected.

The center’s upgraded movie room, complete with comfortable chairs ideal for a little quiet time, can be converted to host programs and events. Outfitted with new rolling functional furniture, the space has become more universal, allowing the team to dedicate more time to offerings and execution.

“We were always stuck moving furniture around to accommodate the needs of our events and programs,” explained USO Yokota Center Operations Manager Josie Grenier. “With the new multipurpose room, which switches from a movie room to program-ready in a matter of minutes, our workload is lessened, and these events and programs now have a dedicated space that is both inviting and innovative.”

A major addition that is essential to the expanded offerings is the center’s brand-new kitchen. Before, the facility only had a little kitchenette nook with some cabinets, a refrigerator, a coffee maker and a microwave. Now, patrons can make use of a separate coffee bar and baker’s rack with a microwave and toaster oven - amenities in addition to the new kitchen area complete with a sink, oven and more counter space.

The biggest change can be found in the facility’s welcoming ambiance. Designed with the intention of being a home away from home, the refreshing new space is lighter and more modern while being functional and appealing. Even the new offices are open and inviting, adding to the friendly atmosphere.

“The center has gone from dull to bright. Our service members and families are staying longer now, and our volunteers are volunteering more because of the refreshed and comfortable space,” expressed Josie.