I guess introductions are in order

M

Mikey_G

New Member
Hi, my name is Mike, I stumbled upon these forums in search of an answer to a question i've been researching for awhile now. A little bit about myself, I'm in the Air Force, helicopter crew chief stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I am also a student pilot, on the tail end of Stage II, gearing up for my solo x-countries.
 
Welcome aboard, from a former-fellow service member. It's a great place and be sure to fire away with the questions. There is plenty of info to go around and experience from all different levels.

Just watch out for the former Marine/current CFI out fo Nashville. He gets a little crazy sometimes. :D :cool:
 
Welcome! Pull up a chair and join the fun.


(BTW, the new guy brings the beer. Imports preferred, please.)

:)
 
Military Aero Clubs rule. I did my Private at the Ft. Lewis flying club when I was stationed at McChord. I just did it for fun at the time, but not too long after I got out of the USAF I decided to make aviation my career.
 
SteveC said:
Welcome! Pull up a chair and join the fun.


(BTW, the new guy brings the beer. Imports preferred, please.)

:)
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I hope Kirin Ichibanshiburi (say that 5 times fast) will suffice, it sells for about 4000 yen a case (thats around $40) around $3 for 1 can. Very good beer though, I only buy it on rare occasions.

Looking4Lower: Yes, it's a very nice organization, on top of the cheap rates, Air Force Club members get an addition 10% discount. I also volunteered to be a crew chief on one of the aircraft so my monthly dues are waived.
 
HH-60CC said:
I hope Kirin Ichibanshiburi (say that 5 times fast) will suffice, it sells for about 4000 yen a case (thats around $40) around $3 for 1 can. Very good beer though, I only buy it on rare occasions.
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greaper007 said:
Wow, Kirin is only about 6 dollars for a six pack in Florida.
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but if you go out for it and get a sake with it.. they'll charge you a good $5 just for that!!

Welcome to the board!! your Kirin is very appreciated here..:rawk:


So, I hear that Okinawa is not really one of those areas you wanna hit if your a tourist, is that right?! We'll be heading over there in early February...altho we're still researching on where to go/see and haven't even started learning any language for it yet. :eek:
 
Kristie said:
So, I hear that Okinawa is not really one of those areas you wanna hit if your a tourist, is that right?! We'll be heading over there in early February...altho we're still researching on where to go/see and haven't even started learning any language for it yet. :eek:
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I've been stationed in Okianwa for 3 years now, and though I miss the states dearly, I love it here. I think it's a great place to go on vacation, the beaches are amazing, food is excellent, A LOT of historical sites, and due to the American presence, most places around the bases speak english. The only draw back i've seen are the costs around here, especially with food. If you need any more information, don't hesitate to ask, I'll be more than happy to help out.
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All true, but I wouldn't plan to spend more than about 3 days in Okinawa. That would allow time to hit the Churaumi aquarium, the Orion brewery, the (can't remember the name of it) castle near Naha, the Gyokusendo caves, and get in a good dinner or two including one of Shabu Shabu (an Okinawan style cooking).

Nice shot of Cape Zampa BTW, Mike. "Report Bolo Pt" :)
 
Damn, have not heard term of shabu shabu cooking after I came to U.S. Kristie, fly south about 2 more hours, you can go Tony and I's "mother land" - Taiwan. Just wondering about Okinawa when it is Typhoon / Hurricane season. Is it safe?
 
Completely safe. I'm jaded about hurricanes now after living in Okinawa. Typhoons rolled through and it was just like nothing had happened. Normally 5-10 in a season, People would still be out, stores were still open. The only thing that ever seemed to happen were some tree branches were blown into the street and there was flooding (usually on base and not in town, kinda funny). I lived off base and I can only even remember losing power once for about 2 hrs. I'm amazed at all the damage that happens in the US when a hurricane rolls through. The only thing different about the storm is the name but they seem to cause so much devastation here. Odd.
 
No visit to Okinawa would be complete without a visit to Charlie's Tacos on BC Street (outside of Gate 2 of Kadena AB). :)

Genghis Khan (mongoloan barbecue), Four Seasons (Kobe Beef cooked on the table in front of you, performance style (where BeniHana got his inspiration)), and Sam's By the Sea (duh - seafood) are among the plentiful culinary treats. Of course, there are noodle shops galore.


If you have time between flights, there are dozens of outstanding scuba destinations that can be reached by walking from shore. Bring a few granola bars to feed the fish, and you'll kick yourself if you don't bring an underwater camera along.

Golf? Outstanding golf courses.


Want some new patches? Take your design to Tiger Patch shop when you arrive, and pick up the fully-embroidered patch the next day. For an extra fifty cents, they'll even sew on the velcro. :)


The list goes on and on...


:)



.
 
I love tangents!

Shuri castle. That's right. The Nakijin castle ruins out past the aquarium are also pretty cool.

I'd have to also add getting sushi at Yoshihachi's to the list. Moreso because he's famous and has tons of pictures with folks up in the restaurant then for the sushi itself which I found to be simply above average.

The golf and diving in Okinawa kick arse. 'Nuff said.

Tiger Emb actually has gone downhill a little bit in the past few years. I would suggest getting patches and bag tags done up in Osan, Korea instead.

Still I stand by the original three days for Okinawa being sufficient. I enjoyed the mainland better (particularly up in Tohoku prefecture where Misawa is - awesome snowboarding and just beautiful countryside). Sapporo, up in Hokkaido, is also well worth a trip.

Mike, BTW if you haven't already, I would highly recommend heading up to Sapporo in February for the ice festival. Those sculptures are just incredible.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled threading...
 
heh, as much as I would LOVE to go there, I just ended 30 days of leave, which by the way goes way to fast with a newborn.

I second the Korea trip for all your bag/embroidering needs.

P.S. All suggestions mentioned in above posts are excellent choices, and as a certified diver, there are TONS of great diving spots on Okinawa.
 
Welcome!

Welcome HH-60CC! It nice to see another Enlisted Air Force guy around here! I could only wish i was stationed at an exotic place like Japan...but i guess Vance AFB, Enid, OK will have to do.

I can't tell you how envious i am of your position...an Aero Club on base! That would be great to see at more bases stateside.

Good luck with your solos and your PPL!
 
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