Hiroshima and the surrounding areas have recently been buzzing with military and sports activities, highlighting the pivotal role of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps operations. At the center of this is the U.S. Army Garrison Japan's Directorate of Public Works (DPW), which works tirelessly to maintain and manage various military installations around the Hiroshima region.
Recently, the DPW has come under the spotlight, with Sam Roach, chief of DPW, emphasizing their commitment to operational safety and functionality. “We keep the lights on, keep the walls painted and keep things safe for them to operate within the footprint,” said Roach, whose office is based at Kure Pier 6.
With more than 50 employees, the DPW oversees maintenance and construction across several facilities, managing utilities at five different sites where infrastructure dates back to the post-World War II era. The directorate supports various tenant organizations, including the 10th Support Group and its three ammunition depots.
Roach remarked on the efficient operational dynamics at the DPW, describing the supply chain management as the best he has encountered throughout his career. “What they've been able to accomplish and what they’re working with… I don’t think you’d see this result across the board,” he noted. “Their supply chain here is something the rest of the [Department of Defense] should probably study.”
To manage the varied and numerous tasks effectively, Roach highlighted the importance of supervisory roles, especially concerning the maintenance coordinator at the Akizuki Ammunition Depot, Hitoshi Yoshioka, who leads nearly 20 employees. Yoshioka echoed Roach's sentiments by stating, “No one can work without DPW, because we maintain the facilities and the roads.”
While DPW workers focus on keeping military operations running smoothly, they also confront seasonal challenges, particularly during the hot and humid months prone to typhoons. These storms often necessitate immediate inspections and repairs to older buildings to mitigate the risks posed by severe weather. Tomonori Oshita, who operates boiler systems, routinely assesses operational safety to prevent emergencies from arising.
On another front, drone activity has caused disruption at one of the prominent military airports near Hiroshima. On December 22, 2024, drone sightings reported at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni led to the temporary halt of military and civilian flights. The control tower notified incoming flights about the drone activity, leading the All Nippon Airways flight, originally scheduled to land at 6:50 p.m., to enter a holding pattern before diverting to Hiroshima Airport due to low fuel levels.
By around 8 p.m., the airport was confirmed to be reopened following investigations, allowing the delayed aircraft to land safely at Iwakuni later. “Safety is a priority of MCAS Iwakuni and out of an abundance of caution, the airfield was briefly closed on the evening of December 22, 2024, to investigate alleged drone sightings over the airfield,” stated Maj. Gerard Farao, the base spokesman.
Farao underscored the seriousness of the situation, reminding the public, “Unauthorized flights over MCAS Iwakuni are in violation of Japanese law.” The incident echoed larger concerns about unauthorized drone activity near military installations, violating regulations and threatening safety protocols.
The Iwakuni Police have launched investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported drone sightings. Notably, breaching restricted airspace over military facilities can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment or hefty fines.
Despite the temporary disruption at MCAS Iwakuni, the overarching narrative remains focused on the commitment to operational readiness within military establishments around Hiroshima. Both the DPW's diligent infrastructure management and the stringent safety measures against unauthorized air activity are emblematic of the continuous military activities within this historically significant region.
With numerous responsibilities resting on their shoulders, authorities and service members remain vigilant, ready to respond to each challenge, whether it's maintaining old facilities or ensuring the safety of airspaces threatened by unauthorized drones. Their unwavering focus on safety and service signifies the importance of these military bases not only to national defense but also to the local community’s peace and security.
