The abandoned US Air Force (USAF) base in Tachikawa is a bramble-choked memento from the early days of Japanese/American war and peace. It was annexed by the USA shortly after World War II, in co-operation with the still-active nearby Japan Army (SDF) Base, then abandoned in the 1970’s as the Vietnam war came to a close.
Its three huge chimneys are still visible from the exterior, brick-red and lined up like masts on a rudderless ship, slowly sinking deeper into the smothering sea of green jungle. Its airstrip now swims with weeds, and bamboo forests have grown through the foundations where buildings once stood, patrolled by old men on bicycles keeping a watchful eye on the 10-foot perimeter fence.
Storage bunker, one of the few remaining structures on base.
As with the Fuchu Air Base, I’ve been here before. The first time was some two years ago, in the early days of my haikyo exploration. I must have walked the perimeter circle 4 or 5 times, as dusk fell around me, wondering if I had the chutzpah to scale the fence. At no point was it easy to climb, and at no point in an isolated spot. It got dark, and I became antsy. The guard in the guard box out front didn’t leave, except to occasionally drive carefully around the interior, or cycle around the fence. In the end, I gave up. It didn’t seem worth it, so I backed off.
Map of the whole base. The central part is now the huge Showa Kinen Park, site of Tokyo`s only full disc golf course. The left oblong, 1km long, is the abandoned base. The right oblong is the still-active SDF base.
The second time, around a year later, I arrived with my chutzpah turned on, knowing what to expect. After circling the base to my desired sport, I just went at it. Over a fence, and in.
After that, my memory’s a series of frantic snapshots as I ran around looking for things to shoot. It started to rain, reducing visibility, and that just amped me up further. Roads criss-crossed in every direction, and I knew that the old security guard could use any of them. I didn’t doubt I could out-run him if it came to a chase- but I didn’t want it to come to a chase.
And so even with the sense of real risk pretty absent, I still ran from cover to shelter like a hunted animal. When taking shelter in buildings, I became acutely aware of my heart thumping, and more worried every second about stepping back out of my new-found safety, and into the open.
Exciting.
This massive bunker hosted me for around 30 minutes, as I planned my next line of attack-
It is pretty huge, covered in ivy, and built to withstand serious punishment. The walls and doors are several feet thick.
Covered in ivy.
The central part of the bunker had probably once been an office, with desks, machinery controls, and grilled windows looking into the hangar-like storage area alongside.
The two doors left and right lead to the hangars.
Filing cabinets belie it was an office.
Empty storage shelves in the bunker’s back room
The hangars either side were filled with old equipment. The southern wing (below) had what looks like a lot of air conditioning equipment. The northern wing had chairs and assorted engine parts. In the back was a staircase, going up to the roof.
Of course I clambered over everything to get to it. and up- affording me the best view of the remains of the base anyone’s had in years.
Elevator and lift gear in storage.
Looking back towards the entrance, the stairs to be climbed.
Up the stairs.
At the top of the stairs was a small room, smashed in rot and weather, then more stairs, then the roof.
Signalman`s room?
Rickety stair-case.
One of the hazards of haikyo- stairways whose rungs have fallen away. I walked with great care.
On the roof the view was excellent, dominated by the forest, and the three chimneys.
Roof and chimneys.
Roof ruins.
After leaving that sanctuary, again I was on the run, bobbing in and out of the overgrown forest and through clumps of bamboo, head ducking in search of the old dude on his bicycle. I heard there were immense apocalypse-emergency tunnels underneath the old base, perhaps some kind fall-out shelter for Tokyo’s elite. I saw a few hatch-like structures emerging above ground, which had no doors of any kind. Could those be the air circulators, for such a massive complex?
This from Wikipedia.
Consolidation resulted in the establishment of the Tachikawa Disaster-Preparedness Base, involving hundreds of miles of tunnels designed to support 5,000 top government members for a year in the event of a catacylsmic disaster. The bunker building is one of only a few remaining structures on the large base lot.
I didn’t linger around them.
After a while I got pretty turned around inside. Even seeing the three massive chimneys, that I’d seen clearly from outside, didn’t really help orient me.
The guards had buckled a ladder into the chimney flues, so it is possible to climb up inside them.
I climbed up inside one, and again briefly relaxed. What were these chimneys for, remnants of some kind of power plant, or a waste incinerator? Did they cremate bodies here?
Inside the flue.
Looking out.
Looking at the inside of the base of the chimney.
Looking down at the base of the chimney.
Dreaming of the past.
After the towers, dusk was falling and I really thought I was pushing my luck to stay any longer. I wasn’t sure any more which way I’d come or which way was out- all the straight grid streets of the base looked equally overgrown, and I’d zig-zagged through so much bamboo I had no idea where my entry climbing fence had been.
I got out my iPhone and pulled up the map feature. Then, working myself up into a lather, I started to run.
Which way was I going? Where was the exit?
Watching the little screen with me inching down an overgrown road, peeking up to check I wasn’t slaloming into some obstacle, I felt weirdly like a World of Warcraft character running to his next battle. I ran in a straight line for a few minutes, until at last one of the easiest fences- also closest to the guard’s box- emerged, and I plunged for it. At last I hit it, vaulted over the top, and landed on the legal side, out of breath.
An old lady looked at me confusedly. I nodded, and went on my way. So it goes.
History
The Tachikawa base started life as an Imperial Japanese Army airfield, though that role later morphed to also cater to civilians by the 1920’s. In 1929 Japan`s first regularly scheduled commercial air service departed from this base to Osaka, a three hour commute that was in operation for 4 years, until the service was moved to Haneda airport on Tokyo Bay. After 1933 the base returned to being an Army airfield, and remained so until the end of World War II. During the war it was defended by the Shintentai, an anti-aircraft kamikaze group. Near the end of the war Tachikawa was subjected to heavy bombing, and in the aftermath was occupied by the US.
From Wikipedia– Disaster struck Tachikawa on June 18, 1953 when a U.S. Air Force C-124 Globemaster II transport experienced an engine failure on takeoff, crashing shortly after. The accident claimed the lives of 129 people, and was the deadliest air disaster in history at the time. With a runway only 1,500m long, Tachikawa was not adequate for the largest aircraft, and the U.S. decided to extend the runway into the neighboring town of Sunagawa.
The July 8, 1957 Sunagawa Riots resulted in cancellation of the plan. The U.S. instead developed Tama Airfield (the present-day Yokota Air Base) and moved its operations there. By 1969, the U.S. had largely left Tachikawa, and in 1977, after the end of the Vietnam War, it returned the base to Japanese control.
The Japanese government put the land to a variety of uses. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force established a base there, as did the Japan Coast Guard, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Fire Department.
Comments 684
Enjoyed reading your bio and other. The base brings back a lot of memories in April of 68 Roy Clark and our uso show was at the base and we had a great time just out side the base but we were sent to Seoul right at the time they lost the ship but we traversed all over the orient being an entertainer with uso shows was a great experience and one I’ll never forget. Came back to the states and began rfdtv and the rest is history. I’m glad you enjoyed the base and best of everything in the future. Don long rfdtv rfd Hollywood
Hey Chuck,
Did you know my dad, Dave Rose? He was a teacher, football and basketball coach at Yamato from ’60-’64?
I was born in the states and moved to one of the bases with my mom and sister when I was 3 mos old. Vague recollections but Mom & Dad have very fond memories of life in Japan.
I, too, was born on Tachikawa Air Force Base Decemember 1957. My family lived there 4 years prior to my birth, then shortly after I was born we moved to Florida. Dad was in the civil service.. I had hoped to one day go back and see the place and learned it was no longer there.
Then Capt Wendy C. Stationed at Tachi Hospital from Jul 74 until the new hospital at Yokota opened in 75. Lived at Tachi from Jul 74 until Jul 76. The only squadrons at Tachi when I was there were the Hospital, Civil Engineering and the Security Police. It was a beautiful little base. Only the hospital was open on the far side of the flight line. We had a small BX and Japanese Mart, Post Office, and a gas station. All other services were at Yokota. Tachi was quiet and beautiful. Our Hospital Commander lived in the house that formerly belonged to the Base Commander. Would love to go back and see the base, but not interested in the long flight to get there!!! Memories…..
SSGT FREDDY RICHARD YOUNG was stationed at Tachikawa AFB from spring of 1960 thru the summer of 1964. On several occasions we would travel to Southeast ASIA countries to maintain various Radar sites. Sgt Young later on made MSGT before becoming an Officer and retiring as a Captain.
WOW!
I was surprised to learn that Tachikawa AFB didn’t exist anymore. My dad was stationed there in the early ’60s but as I was little, I don’t have many memories of the place. I do remember living on base housing there and where we lived caught on fire on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and we lost everything we had. We had to live in the Guest Quarters until another place opened up but before that happened, Dad got sent back stateside.
hey’gang””’JUST-LIKE-SO-MANY-COMING-THRU-TACHIKAWA-ON-MY-WAY-FOR-TWO-YEARS-AT-
FUCHU-AIR-STATION””””’56-&-57”””””THAT””””-S T R I P””””-OFF-BASE-WAS-THE-WILDEST-PLACE-EVER””’
GOT-TO-GO-BACK-WHEN-LEAVING-AFTER-TWO-YEARS-&-STILL-THE-WILDEST-PLACE-EVER-???????
DID-GET-TO-CLIMB-MT-FUCHO-WHILE-THERE””AND-HAD-A-GREAT-TWO-YEAR’S””””””””””””””FUNNY-
HOW-MANY-GUY’S-I-MET-SINCE??????WERE-THERE-ALSO”””””””””””””””””””
THE-PHILA-KID”””””””””””'(NOW-THE-VIRGINIA-RETIREEEE”””””””””””BEST-REGARDS. P.D.M.
hey’gang””’JUST-LIKE-SO-MANY-COMING-THRU-TACHIKAWA-ON-MY-WAY-FOR-TWO-YEARS-AT-
FUCHU-AIR-STATION””””’56-&-57”””””THAT””””-S T R I P””””-OFF-BASE-WAS-THE-WILDEST-PLACE-EVER””’
GOT-TO-GO-BACK-WHEN-LEAVING-AFTER-TWO-YEARS-&-STILL-THE-WILDEST-PLACE-EVER-???????
DID-GET-TO-CLIMB-MT-FUCHIAMA-WHILE-THERE””AND-HAD-A-GREAT-TWO-YEAR’S””””””””””””””FUNNY-
HOW-MANY-GUY’S-I-MET-SINCE??????WERE-THERE-ALSO”””””””””””””””””””
THE-PHILA-KID”””””””””””'(NOW-THE-VIRGINIA-RETIREEEE”””””””””””BEST-REGARDS. P.D.M.
Lived on Tachikawa AFB when I was in kindergarten – probably 1956 to ’58 ….I remember riding the bus with the airmen to get to my kindergarten every day….seems I also recall walking to the base theater every Saturday morning to see a kids movie – maybe cost a dime. My younger sister was born on base. Left when my dad was transferred to March AFB, Riverside CA….also no longer exists as an AFB.
Scott Rose,
I was at Tachikawa from Sept 1960 through June 1963 as a dependent. I went to Yamato High School where your dad, David Rose, was a coach….basketball, football and track. While he was a great coach….he was also the best teacher I ever had….he made a history come alive. I was fortunate to see him (and your mom) at one of our reunions……I hope they both are doing well. Your dad was one of the most influential people in my life. Be proud…very proud!!
Chuck Jordan
Class of 1963
Yamato High School
Scott,
I was a student at Yamato for two years, the 1960-61 and 1961-62 academic years. I played basketball for your father both years and was co-captain of the 1961-62 team (along with Jim Reda) that won the Far East Tournament by defeating our arch rival, Johnson, 53-41 in the title game. We were the first school from Japan to win the championship as Kubasaki HS from Okinawa had won all previous Far East Tournament titles. We also beat Kubasaki in the semi-finals of that tournament to hand them their first ever loss in the tournament (or in Japan).
Your father was a great coach and mentor….he impacted my life in a significant way and I have always respected him and admired him for the positive impact he had on my life. We were so happy we were able to visit with him and talk with him back during the 2013 reunion and to take some photographs with him. I hope he is doing well and you will tell him that I saw your post and responded to it. You should be very proud of your dad….he made a difference in a lot of people’s lives.
Archie Jordan
Yamato High School, Class of 1962
Far East Tournament Champions, 1962
I was stationed at Tachakawa Hosp. May 1970 -Dec 1971. Worked 20th CSF on Yokota A B. Had medical unit on flight line. Loved Tachi and Japan. Japan gets in your heart and stayes. Thank you USAF for sending me over there! Thank you, Japan for allowing me to fall in love with your country!
In May, 1965 my wife, Margot, and 17 month old daughter, Lisa, landed at Yokota AB, where I was recently assigned, and were then transported by bus to Tachikawa to be processed because Yokota still had no facilities to accommodate incoming personnel. Our daughter Linda was born at the USAF Hospital at Tachikawa AB in June 1965.
My dad was stationed in Japan for 3 years. 1955-1957.We originally lived in Fuchu until there was housing for us on Johnson AFB. I went to first grade on Tachikawa AFB. We lived in Private Rentals which were owned by
a Mama-san (don’t know her name)..There were 4 houses. I would walk, train,bus with 2 brothers who lived
next door to us. One of the brothers was in kindergarten, myself,1st grade,2nd brother in 2nd grade.
At the end of the day my father would drive me home in his jeep. Wonderful memories but wish I knew the
name of the 2 brothers.
Thank you for this fascinating description! I was born at Tachikawa AFB in 1970. I always wanted to see my birthplace. I still have a connection with Japan and Tokyo in particular. I don’t know if my love of cherry blossoms is remembered or just romanticized.
I was stationed at Tachi 63_67 1st assignment for basice loved it made ssgt in 3yts 8 mo didn’t want to leave.Msgt ret.Trellis B Walker
I was born on Yokota AFB – well Tachikawa AFB because they did not have a hospital or it wasn’t big enough – not sure. This was 1963. I’m going back to see what’s left in April of this year. I really appreciated this photo journey. I won’t be jumping any fences, but will see what I can from a safe/legal area. Thanks for jumping fences though.
I was a student at Yamato HS in the early 60s and remember Coach Rose well. Nice guy.
Hi Sharon,
The brothers might have been myself and my brother Mark. We lived a brief time in 1956, in a home in a 4-house compound off base. I remember the houses were a light blue color. We walked to the right from the compound down a dirt road to get to the bus stop. Sometimes we would get into rock throwing “fights” with the local kids. I remember times that the bus would go through communist demonstrations on the way to school. The demonstrators wore bright red headbands. The school name was Naramasu. We played menkos during recess.
Steve Miller
After closing down the USAF medical facilities at Itazuke AB (actually it was located on the Kasugabaru Housing Annex) and Hakata Air Station, I along with my wife and two young sons moved to the Tachikawa AB. I was assigned to the Tachikawa Hospital in May 1972. I was one of the Medical Service Corp (MSC) officers and have many fine memories of working at the hospital and of the many things we and many places we visited in Japan. My wife Cindy taught at Yamato High School and my two sons did modeling for department store ads. It was so weird to see their pictures on the trains when we went to downtown Tokyo and to see them on the Japanese TV stations. We lived in a “lot house” on base
Thank You for providing me with some historical perspective of Tachikawa AFB and also the great photos of the remnants of the USAF facilities that remain. My Father, John Glenfeldt was based at Tachikawa for 18 month during the Korean conflict. All of his AFB duties were in the Control Tower handling thousands of aircraft transiting back an fourth over the Sea of Japan or Pacific. When I was young, some of his peers visited our home and told my Mother that my Father had saved thousands of lives guiding lost and damaged aircraft back to Tachikawa for a safe landing. My Father was embarrassed by the suggestion that he did any more than what was expected of him. My Father never forgot his experiences at Tachikawa AFB and the Japanese people he befriended in the village down the road. He had a number of Japanese expressions that he used all his life that he would never translate for the family. My Mother suspected they were swear words.
I have one question: Have you ever seen a photo of the Tachikawa AFB Control Tower that was in use during the Korean conflict? If yes, can you tell me where I might find this photo. I think having this photo would be a great way to tell my Son about the Grandfather he never got to meet.
Respectfully.
Chris Glenfeldt
Kenneth Fowler, March 31, 2017. I just happened to see this page and found it interesting. I was stationed at Tachikawa AAF from Feb 1946 to April 1947. It was primarily Quonset huts for barracks and a few office “buildings”. Did have some C46 and C47’s active there but wasn’t extremely busy as we handled some ferrying of personnel and some bigwigs around Japan. I recall that there was a field of igloo bunkers along the other side of the strip that had been a Veterinarian post and the bunkers held a lot of medical supplies. The town was nothing but ramshackle buildings and we had to drive into Tokyo for any real excitement. Lots of memories and I did enjoy 3 different rest leaves while at Tachikawa – so got to enjoy Fujiyama, Fuji Five Lakes, large statue at Arikaka (sp), Chofu (Japanese movie capital), Niigata, Kamakura, Nikko, etc. This page brought back many memories.
My memory was faulty. The statue was before reaching the Grand Hotel at Akakura, which was the Emperor’s Palace in the mountain range going west from Tokyo. We stayed there for a week and lived in luxury. Quite an experience with pools, horseback riding, archery, hiking, etc. I still can’t think of the large statue location but it was almost 100 ft tall and you could walk up steps in the center of it all the way to the top. Along the stairway, there were various article, paintings, sculptures, etc. of Japanese culture. It was such a large statue that it could be seen for miles and miles around.
You got that right. I feel as though Tachikowa and Japan are forever part of me. I was blessed to have the experience. I lived at the paddies until base housing was available in Kanto Mura. We were in Japan from 67 – 70.
I served with the Marine Hospital Liaison from 68-69 for two years,,, took care of the Marine Patients pay, clothing, light duty assignments, record keeping and taking them on Liberty before they were sent back to Nam,, yes,, Marines who had seven months left on their tour Had to return to units,,, unless they were not able,,I returned stteside to Camp Lejuene for a Med Crusie and then in 71 I became a free man again,,, Sgt Jimi Lormand 2253977 USMC
I knew your Dad, he was one of my football coaches at Yamato High School, class of 1964. A great coach and a fine man who had a lot of positive influence in my life. Someone told me he was an usher at Notre Dame stadium. I went to a game there in 1995 and asked about him with no luck. Your dad was a very good guy.
Thank you for posting all of this!! It is really interesting. I was stationed mostly in areas other than Japan. It did not get to see this, but wish I had
I lived on Tachikawa court in 1963-1964 and attended elementary school on the air force base. My Dad was stationed there and was a SAC pilot. I remember quite a bit about it. My sister and I went on cultural outings, took Japanese dance horse back riding lessons lessons and enjoyed our time there before returning to the states where my Dad became a commercial airline pilot.
My Mom just passed away and I have been going through old photos when my Dad was stationed in Tachi from 1951-53. We lived in quonset huts on the base and I went to first and second grade there. I distinctly remember getting my first whipping for riding my bike on the runway. It was an interesting time to be in Japan.
I lived in the building that is at the start of this website from 1956 to 1957. Sure would be nice to hear from someone who knows anything about the army personnel who lived and worked in that building.
I lived in the building that is shown at the beginning of this site from 1956 to 1957. If any army personnel were stationed at Tachikawa in the above years please respond.
i lived there from 8/57 until 8/65. when your house burned, did u lost your dog? if so, i remember that!
My dad worked for AAFES and was stationed at Tachikawa AFB 1967-1971. I was 7 when we arrived. My mother volunteered as a grief counselor to soldiers families. It was very hard on her. I remember her crying many nights. Other that that, our experiences there were wonderful. We lived off base for two of the years. Quite an experience. I remember the Chubu (sp?) department store with a playground on top.
Beth Rowley
I was born on the base in August of 1965, and my name is also Linda, it must have been a popular name at the time. My father was the chief OBGYN there for a bit so he may have actually delivered your Linda. His Name was Dr. George Henneberger. I believe my family arrived in 1963 or 1964 and left in 1966 or 1967. I know they were there for 3 years. I wish I remembered Japan, but I know my older brothers and sisters do.
Linda I was born 5/11/65 at Tachikawa I was a premie, my mom says she might’ve remembered your Dad. My Dad MSGT Rouglas “Ron” Gessner was w/ Comm/SAC group 65/66 my mom & I returned State side briefly, while Pop was on tour in Nam, we then were transferred to Ramey AF base in PR. My mom loved Japan! I too would love to visit some day! I always get weird looks from DHS when returning from international travel & see my birthplace as Tachikawa Japan!
My Father was station there flying C-130s from 62-65. I knew it was closed, I recognized some of the pictures. We lived off base until dad got housing at Kofu. Neat article, thanks. Dad was Capt. Howell W Smith at the time promoted to Major while there.
Does anyone know how to obtain a copy of a birth certificate from Tachikawa Air Force Base Hospital? I was born there in 1965 to a Japanese citizen (mother) and and an American father stationed on base. I’m having problems obtaining a copy. I don’t think I’m getting the correct information from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo due to the fact that my mother was a Japanese citizen. BTW, This is such an interesting article. I often wonder if any posters knew my family or vice versa. I had two much older brothers (born in 1954 and 1956) and two deceased sisters. We come back to Japan once a year for my children to attend school and my husband is here often for work.
Lived on the base and started kindergarten there in 1969. There’s an active group of Tachikawa Dependent School alum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/133382370147029/
There are also some great YouTube videos about Tachikawa Air Force base, including this one with footage of daily life there in the late 1960s: https://youtu.be/7SvtRx_Ps0c
Enjoy!
Thinking back to Tachikawa (1966) and Kanto Mura (1966-1969) always brings back the best of memories. It’s always sad to come across remembrances like these! I was only 13 years old when we rotated back to the states and settled in southern California (Norton AFB) but it was the hardest of all the moves we made during my Dad’s AF career. One by one, all the places we grew up in have disappeared. You have to be a Brat to understand why these things mean so much to us!
I was born there in December of 1964. My family lived there until my father retired in 1972. Interesting, LINDA HENNEBERGER HAYES, your father may have treated my mother….imagine that. I vividly remember having to do bomb drills at school. Great times though…
I was stationed at Tachi 1955 to 1959 and worked in Crypto maintenance for the 374th Comm Sq. Wonderful memories, but cannot remember most of my time there. We lived in Q huts close to the west side BX.
CAROLYN RANDALL DEAN
Memories! Tachikawa AFB was pivotal in my life in so many ways… my dad was CMS Howard Randall (Randi). He was assigned to the EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) unit there. We lived on the base about 2 blocks from the airfield and I graduated from Yamato H.S. in 1961. I had a summer job as an usher at the base theater in 1960 and met Dr. Tom Dooley who gave a fund-raising speech one evening there. He was an amazing speaker and humanitarian on his way back to Laos and his beloved medical mission there. I had read his books and never dreamed I would meet him in person–and there he was in Tachikawa! (Read about him on the web–He was our own Albert Schweitzer of his time.
I wrote to him and received a letter 3 mo. later from the kingdom of Laos. Decided I would attend nursing school because he was so inspirational. Volunteered at Tachi Hospital as a candy striper, loved it, received a letter of commendation from the Hospital Commander and applied to Los Angeles County General Hospital’s nursing program. Three years later I graduated and soon formed a medical team with an MD and another nurse and we were sponsored by the Orange Co. Medical Society to go to Guatemala, C.A. We worked as volunteers at a Catholic mission for several months, and I loved it so much I stayed on for a year. So rewarding…
My fondest memory of Japan: riding the train into Tokyo to see a movie just out with Charleton Heston (Ben Hur). I remember people munching on dried sardines (Japanese popcorn!) and marveled at the response to the movie–people throughout the theater were crying unashamedly as the movie neared the end. Unforgetable.
I am so grateful to the USAF for so many unforgetable life experiences–Germany shortly after the end of WWII (I was only 3, but I remember the piles of rubble in the streets and fishing trips to the Black Forest with my Dad; in about 1951 we were living in Tehran, Iran (no base there–home away from home was the US embasy. Saw the Shah of Iran and his Queen Farah Diba riding horseback during a review of the troops. Dad was an advisor to the Shah’s Army. We lived on the outskirts of town and I delighted in the daily camel trains headed for the city’s markets. Life as a USAF dependent was very rewarding. I figure we moved about 26 times in my 18 yrs at home.
No mark on this space–what is required?
I was a brat at Misawa ’61-’63. My big brother was flown to the Tachikowa hospital with kidney stones.
Was with the Coast Guard at Fuchu, then Yokota 71-75. Wife & I stayed at some temporary place named Green something or other, then put at Grant Heights housing(an old Japanese fighter runway was the main road), then on to Kanto Mura, then when Fuchu closed, we got moved to the high rise apartments at Yokota. Tachikawa was fascinating but there were places you were not allowed. An elderly Japanese gentleman said there were tunnels under the base that led to Yokohama where supplies, ammunition, aircraft parts, etc. were moved back and forth during WW2 and that when the war ended, the tunnels were just sealed off with a lot of stuff still in them which is why no one is allowed in them. Fascinating stories, but don’t know if they are true since that would be quite dangerous now. Loved our stay in Japan.
Oliver T Hockett
Sept 2nd 2017
I was stationed at Tachikawa in 1952 and 53 in the 22nd troop Carrier Sqdn.I was an A/C Mech. and worked
on A/C 134. I was at the crash site of A/C 137 at 2:00 A.M.in the morning after the crash,a horrible site.
Prior to my time at Tachikawa I was in the 53rd.( Blackjack) Troop Carrier Sqdn. at Ashiya Air Base. The . 53rd returned to the States.At that point I was Transferred to Tachi. and remained there until the truce was signed.
Sir,
Do you happen to remember my dad, Herbert F. Adams? He was a Control Tower Operator in 1946 time frame. He told me only a few things, but has sadly passed on and I would love to hear more. Thanks.
Matthew Adams
JOHN PERELLI ORIGINALLY FROM BOSTON MASS NOW IN SOUTH WINDSOR CT WAS STATIONED AT TACHIKAWA APRIL 66 UNTIL SEPT 67 WITH USAF AS A JET ENGINE MECH. WITH THE 6100 CAMRON SQD WORKING ON C-130A AIR CRAFT MOST OF MY DUTY TIME WAS AT CAM RANH BAY VIET NAM AND IN COUNTRY BUT SPENT MANY A NIGHT DOWN TOWN TACHI I WAS DISCHARGED ON SEPT. 27TH 1967 STARTED WORKING FOR PRATT WHITNEY IN EAST HTFD CT ON OCT 23RD 1967 WILL CELEBRATE MY 50TH YEAR WITH PRATT 3 WEEKS FROM TODAY
Hi, all ~ My Dad met my Mom through my Uncle K (Ebihara). My Uncle was a jazz musician/teacher and producer. I was born on Tachi AB in March of 1964. When my Dad was doing his last few years he requested Japan so all of us could go and get to know and visit with my Mom’s family. I remember watching TV and some American guy yelled the “M.F.” word. I was 10 and it gave me such a shock. We would watch this one show with Kato~chan. Did not understand but humor/comedy transcends all. Pink Lady with Jeff Altman was popular. We were there from 1974 ~ 1977. I met my best friend Shana Siperly. We wrote for a short time after I came to California. Lost contact and then reunited when she and her family moved to Rancho Cordova. We graduated from Folsom High in 1982 Anyhow…thanx for letting me babble on. Did anyone get the answer regarding birth certificates? Thank you to all who served for our country. We are truly indebted to you brave military personnel.
I was able to get the information from the division of drivers license or wherever you would go to get your drivers license, they provided me the address to request the birth certificate. It takes about a month and cost $50.00 when I requested mine back in 2014. It may cost more now
This is so beautiful.
I grew up hearing lots of great stories about Tachi from my Mom and Dad, Gloria and Jim Middleton. I believe they were there from 1954 to 1959. Dad was a 1Lt or Capt back then and worked in the Procurement/Contracting Office. His boss and family was Lt. Col. Clip , wife Pat and son Ken Counselman. They and other Tachi friends ( like the Chuck Neri’s) stayed in contact for many years. Only bummer was I had a big brother (Ronald) born at Tachi Hospital who died after 5-6 days. With today’s medical technology he would have lived they said. Does anyone visiting this site know if Tachi has/had a cemetery on base ? I’d like to visit his grave -and get his birth certificate too! We did stay at Tachi billeting overnight when transmitting through Yakota enroute to Clark AB back in 1976. Like you my folks had a very special place in their hearts for TachikawaAB & Japan.Going through my Dad’s stuff I recently found a well preserved welcome/orientation book for new comers to the base complete with pictures and a base map if anyone is interested.