Memories of the US Air Force Base in Fuchu, Japan
The abandoned US Air Force (USAF) base in Fuchu is a vine-slathered memento from the early days of Japanese/American war and peace, built shortly after World War II in co-operation with the still-active nearby Japan Self-Defence Force (SDF) Base, and abandoned in the 1980’s. Its huge twin parabolic dishes are still visible from the exterior- though now half-eaten up by the passing decades, rusted red and bobbing like hole-riddled yachts on the sea of green jungle. Its roads swim with weeds and trees shot up through the cracks, and its barracks buildings glisten with waterfalls of rushes and creepers, windows and doors barely peeping through the shadowy gaps.
This was my second time to visit the remnants of the Fuchu airbase- the first time was 4 years ago, days before I first left Japan, along with a fellow teacher very early in the morning. I’d heard about the base from local students- some who’d been inside, others who’d heard of people going in and shooting movies inside and getting ushered out with light warnings by local police.
We left at dawn and walked to the base- through the big park and past the current Japan SDF base. We hopped the fence easily and explored – through the long barracks buildings, to the 2 huge rusted-red satellite dishes, up to their tops, in their control stations, all without any real concern of trespassing or being caught. I took photos with my feeble camera phone, none of which I still have, and I blogged about the voyage in an extremely vague way on my then-blog at Live Journal.
Shortly after that, I got into a brief communication with a retired USAF captain who was stationed with the 5th Air Force in Fuchu from 1961-1966. I asked him for some details on the base, and described to him the gloriously overgrown nature of the base as was. He described to me the wonderful nature of the relations the USAF had with the JSDF, and some of his memories of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He said there was a new law made called the ‘Cinderella Law’, which meant all military had to be off the streets from midnight to 6am- one supposes to stop them from carousing with the locals. However- since the relationship between the base and the locals was so strong in Fuchu- the law was not enacted there.
I returned this time last weekend, in the middle of the day. I was far more cautious, since my research on the web had shown that the base was not actually fully abandoned- the 2 huge parabolic dishes and all of the barracks were, but one large communications antenna (350 feet tall) was still in active use.
I began by walking the circumference of the base, trying to decide if I was foolhardy enough to enter. I walked around the base maybe 3 times, taking photographs from the outside, checking the integrity of the fences, mulling over the possibilities. I hung out in a park for several hours trying to decide if it was worth it. At stake was possible deportation if caught, if not absconsion to prison or some huge fine. I weighed the pros and cons in my head back and forth for a long time, while watching video podcasts about the coming US election. The next few photos are all taken from the exterior, through the fence.
After waiting for some time with one eye on the base’s fence, I saw a car driving on the interior. Not inside the section for the large antenna, which was re-fenced from the abandoned section, but actually inside the abandoned section. I chased the car from outside but failed to determine where it went, or exited. But that mostly decided it for me. If caught within the bounds of the base- I think the punishment would be severe. Last time I was protected by my ignorance and the fact I was leaving Japan within days. This time I wasn’t ignorant, nor do I have any desire to leave. So I turned tail, and walked away.
However- afterwards I searched the net, made another contact, and managed to get hold of some photos from INSIDE the base from an anonymous source. My source described entry by night, feeling constant tension and fear of being caught, climbing the huge parabolic dishes, and finally exiting in a hazy blur.
Before the bulk of the photos, I’d like to welcome all ex-USAF servicemen and women to this page. If you have photos of your time on base, I’d love to post them up here or in the comments site. You can send them to my email address outofruins@hotmail.com . You can of course also simply leave a comment. Thanks!
FACTFILE
Location – Fuchu, Tokyo
Entry - Non-entry! Interior photos from an anonymous source. Too dangerous to go in.
Highlights – Remembering the time I went in 4 years ago, revisiting my old neighbourhood.
RUINS / HAIKYO
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By N2H Recent Comments
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I had been searching around on the net and found a lot of sites saying this one was a no go, still you never know till you try, I heard some similiar stories about the big old concrete factory in saitama too
I would be nervous to go in there as well being a former military base with a still active antenna. A little to risky.
Lovely haikyo pics.
Nice pictures, and sort of a shame to see such rundown disused facilities. Reminds me of some stomping around the former Tachikawa Air Base some years ago, which sat fallow for many years as legal disputes over land ownership played out. Fuchu was actually classified as an Air Station back in the US days there, no runway for fixed wing aircraft operations, essentially a headquarters base.
Japanese Eye- True, I might have run the gauntlet and been fine- but I don’t need that stress, especially with the extreme punishment I was imagining. Saitama Cement Factory, right, I want to go there too, you heard it’s guarded?
Tornadoes- Too risky, you said it!
Danny Choo- Thanks.
Pops- You’ve been inside the Tachikawa Base? I went there a few months ago, but got scared off by a security dude being in a shack within the fence well into the night, plus a patrol guy walking the darker recesses of the fencing on the outside. Was there much to see inside? You really can’t see much from the outside.
Hey Mike, Jason said I should ask you if I can join the next time you guys go on a haikyo trip.
So… any chance I can join along?
Fantim- That might be possible sure, though normally I just go alone or with a few close friends. I’m thinking of organizing some larger group outings, or even starting a group so haikyoists can go together and socialize. In the mean-time, if you’d like a map to a starter haikyo to check out solo- I can probably help out with that.
I was very interested to see your site and your pics of Fuchu JSDF base. I was stationed at Yokota AB and I was worked at the Fuchu from 1979-1983. I say JSDF because at that time much of the base had already been abandoned and the US had turned it over to Japanese control. The Japanese maintained a small presence there and a mess hall, and the USAF had two communications sites and a small command center. There was the Autovon site (the enclosed location with the antennae) and a crypto site in the old HQ building just inside the main gate.
It was the customary initiation for new personnel to the Autovon site to climb the MW tower (the tall slender tower ~100M) on their first graveyard shift. It was a bit scary. The platform at the top was about 10′x10′ with a 3′ railing around it. You could feel the tower gently swaying in the breeze. There was also a bit of concern about being up there during a tremor or a surprise visit from the brass as this was a definite no-no.
I, too, did some late night exploration of the abandoned areas. The commander’s quarters must have been quite impressive in its time. I loved doing that, just wondering around those building in the wee hours of the morning thinking of all who had passed through before me. One minute it’s a vital cog in the wheel with important work going on, the next – abandoned, overgrown, and, except for a very few us, forgotten. So it goes.
Ken- Thanks so much for your comment, the Autovahn Tower is it? It definitely towers over the base, must’ve been pretty chilling to climb. I remember when I entered years back and climbed one of the parabolic antennas which are not nearly as high, that was worrying enough.
Commanders quarters- I don’t think I ever visited there, when I went it was very much a pell-mell rush through before it got light out, heart racing at the thought of being caught. I remember concrete corridors with manholes in the middle, left open for unsuspecting non-flashlight-wielding explorers to fall through.
It seems they must still patrol the abandoned interior, and to some extent even maintain the roads- as they are not overgrown the way the buildings are. I wonder why?
I worked at this site from 1980 – 1984. I remember many a bus ride to Fuchu from Yokota. It was interesting to see the photos. The old Tropo dishes were in poor shape back in the 80’s. It’s interesting to see they haven’t fell or been removed yet. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
Hi Alan,
Remember me? Ken Bryant.
It’s been a long time. Hope you are well.
Really enjoyed viewing some of the pictures of Fuchu. I was stationed there from 1959 to 1960 and was transferred to Grant Heights from 1960 to 1963. I was the night med tech at the Dispensary and on a Purple Team that built Takhli in Thailand.
Thanks for the pix. We lived in Fuchu from end of ‘58 to mid ‘61. My brother and I were in grade school. We were wondering if anyone knows where the old Snack Bar was and the basketball court and the old round water tower?? We were looking at Google Earth but can’t quite get are bearings. Thanks,
The Google Earth coordinates of the base are: 35 40 23.49, 139 29 42.63
I was stationed there in 1966-67.
You would not happen to have more photos to share?
Your photos are what I refer to as the back of the base.
The front had the swimming pool and I was in the barricks behind the bowling alley. The big front building housed the P-55 Communications Relay Center. I think the swimming pool and big front building are all that might remain.
This was pre satellite days and messages went out on teletype tape.
There was a commisary and chow hall and a shop to buy gifts.
A really nice recreation center for the servicemen.
There was also the airmen’s club.
Just off base was the han and I spent time at the Club Zero.
I moved just off the base near where the new auditorium now stands.
I was very saddened the day I left.
I have nothing but fond memories of all the wonderful Japanese people that had befriended me.
Alan- My pleasure, happy to have brought back memories of happy times.
George- Thanks, and thanks for sharing your experiences here.
Chris- Maybe Mike J. answered your questions there- I’m afraid I don’t know any more than that. I scoured the Googlemap too, but you can’t really make out much, especially as it’s all forested over.
Mike J.- Thanks a lot for sharing your memories of the base- it’s fascinating for me to get this pieced-together picture of a place I’ve been intrigued by for over 5 years now. As for the front of the base- sorry, no, I don’t have any other pictures. You might try this site though, it’s in Japanese but you can use translation software to get an idea of what his comments are.
I have a web site for Tachikawa Air base, 1945 – 1977, we have 860 members, thousands of photos. if you would like to join the group, please emai me at Mike Skidmore mskids001@aol.com, i also have many videos on you tube.com for Tachikawa Air Base and Yamato High School.
hi guys.arrived fuchu 1952 when it was a repodepo .arrived in yokohoma by a 11 day cruse ship.at that time there was not to much there ,spent 3 days and shipped to k 10.returned in 1954 spent 18 months.best duty i ever had.the japanese had built new barracks and they were just great after living in whatever was available in korea. i don;t remember what it was used for in 1956 but married peope lived in green park. so,lets hear from some of you in that time.
Hello Ken Bryant,
Are you the Ken Bryant stationed at Tinker AFB, MWC, Okla. around 1988-89? Been trying to get in touch, call the Vet. Clinic in OKC 405-947-5545, Sam Nicolosi DVM.
Some where I have a map of the original base.
The Japanese website did help. Thanks.
I will pass the map along.
Hey! I was stationed at Yokota AB (manpower and organization) from January 1968 and lived off base there. In about October 1968 reassigned to Hq 5th AF at Fuchu and lived at Grant Heights. Left Japan February 1971 and by then we had already started to close down Tachi. Loved Japan but the traffic even then was bad. Used to go to the Officers Club in Tokyo, the Sanno I think. Thanks for all the pictures and the memories of everyone.
I was stationed at Fuchu Air Station 1957-1959 A2C, with the 1956 communications squadron, was on the base Karate team with Captain Salter and others…bad on names…..my site listed shows pictures of me. I am listed with Aunt Delores, my mother. Borrowed a couple of pics for the site.
Pictures of the Karate team are there as well. Would like to hear from anyone. Memorable times there, learned to dislike trouble making sailors, who would start a fight out on the strip within minutes of entering a bar.
I was stationed at Fuchu from Oct ‘63 to Oct ‘66. Worked in the ground radio and microwave shops. Was assigned to the tropo site as liaison for a few months. Helped implement the ground station for the Tiros/Nimbus weather sat – that gave us a map of the entire Pacific that was about 8″ square or so. Also, supervised the R-1 and R-3 relay sites to Zama. Was ham radio operator and held callsign KA2WF. Lived in Kunitachi for about 6 months then Grant Heights 359-B for the rest of the tour. My fate that most of the places I was stationed in 20 years, ‘57 to ‘77, have been closed and many razed. MSgt W.G. Franklin USAF(Ret) wfrank39@ritternet.com
Add note: the large dishes are troposcatter antennas pointed toward the Sendai station. The equipment pictured in the control room is some of the tropo power apmlifiers feeding the dishes – they were 1 kw amps phased together to provide 2 kw out. Comm feed to the south was a microwave shot to Zama, another microwave shot from Zama to Hakone.
I was stationed and lived at Fuchu Air Station for 13 months
1968 – 1969. Then it was Headquarters for 5th Air Force
Had a golf course on the grounds as well. Was on duty there
when The USS Pueblo was captured by North Korea.
The whole base went on yellow alert. First time that
level had happened since WW2.
Used to hang out with Horiuchi who then pitched for
the Tokyo Giants, who later would be inducted into
the Japanese Hall of Fame. Have a lot of wonderful
memories from those times. Thanks for the photos.
Hi John: Really enjoyed the photos of Fuchu always wonder what ever happened to the station.I was there in 1967 into 1968 worked in teletype maintenance. It was a very active base with many comm centers, as indicated in earlier post there was p55,base com,weather before it went computerized,air to ground rescue,crypto,upstairs was news service,the command center which was where I spent a lot of my time. I was up there when the Navy USS Pueblo was taken and bordered by the N Korea,a very uneasy time. I remember one morning going to work as I recal and seeing that big pool in front of the building with white foam coming out of it someone had put some type of liquid in it ,unkown it they ever found out who it was. I had a two year tour there but was cut short by six months and was shiped off to remote Alaska. It was a very busy base in its time and was told it was one of the two biggest bases communication wise in the USAF. Once again John thanks for the photos job well done.
I was stationed at Fuchu from May 1954 to Dec 1955, long before thr disks and tower were there. I was first sent to Tackiikawa, but within 2 weeks was transfered o Fuchu.
From the looka of the pictures and the comments I wastnt sure this was the same base.
Fuchu was a lot of new buildings and barracks and was starting to build new houses. No golf course, parks and no runway for aircraft.
Fuchu was at this time a 6000th Installation Squadren.
Spent a lot of off hours at the strip outside the main gate and the small town of Fuchu down the road a few blocks.
I enjoyed my time at Fuchu and made several trips to Tokoy via the train.
Money curency was $1.00 to 360 yen.
Enjoyed all of the comments sent in/
I was stationed at Fuchu from May 1954 to Dec 1955. This was before the disks and the tower were there. I was first sent to Tachikawa, but within a couple of weeks transfed to Fuchu. I sure did not recognize any the ictures of the web site or of any comments in the article.
Fuchu was a lot of new buildings and starting to build new houses. No golf course or swimming pool, but we did have a movie theater and airmans club. Spent a lot of off hours at the strip outside of the main gate and the small town of Fuchu down the road a few blocks.
I enjoyed my time at Fuchu. Made many trips to Tokyo via train. Money was $1.00 to 360 yen.
We used to buy a bottle of Yakidama wine or Tore ? whiskey and go to the local movie theater and watch french films with Bridget Bardot, with Japanese sub-titles. Didn’t have a clew what was going on, but there to watch Bridget in fairly racy films. Also watched the rats running along the walls.
Custom made clothes on the strip were dirt cheap as was booze. Each band of friends layed claim to a bar, but visited others and tried not to stir up trouble.
Too much booze, too much time and young bucks, like I was, led to too many fights. Would still like to re-connect with anyone on the station karete team 1958-1959 period.
Thanks to the builder of this web site…GREAT JOB. Please fell free to borrow any pictures from my site. ( I borrowed a couple of yours ). Like going home, to see these pictures and many memories came back……..Lee
Good pictures. It’s really sad though, since I had such a great time there. Especially out on the strip. Oh yeah, the Akadama wine, and Sun Tory’s whiskey helped me get knocked down in a bar one night just down from the Whori restaurant on the left. I was with the 1st Comm. Sqdn. that transferred from Tokyo FEAF Hq. 16th Comm. in 1956. I’m communicating with another brother named Ray Brady, who was also there at the same time…Ray was TTYM, AND I was TTYOPR.
John McCain
I was stationed at Fuchu AS 66-69
I was based at Fuchu in 1952 53 with the late Dick Bassinger..I guess everyone but me is dead, as these letters never
go back to 52
I’m sorry, but Fuchu A.B. wasn’t built after WWII, it was a Japanese fuel experimentall base during WWII. The equipment in the (unused by the U.S.) buildings on the rear of the base were filled with Emerson Elec., G.E..,Westinghouse &other U.S. mfgrs names. DAMM SHAME!! Going from Hdqtrs bldg, past officers club, NCO club, towards the rear of the base is where these buildings were, & unless corrected after 1952- its lucky no-one got access to these bldgs. In front of these bldgs were large concrete pads, parking areas?, NO they were the tops of ACID vats, & were still full of acid!! Golf course was outside the back gate, yes, even back then!! From the Hwy out front on the road into the base, the road was lined w/trees(whitewashed trunks), & about 1/2 way on the left of this access road, out in the field there was an entrance to a tunnel, that went to Tachi. There was also another entrance to the tunnels, after you passed the main gate, taking the left fork, heading towards the Snack Bar & Motor Pool going about 1/2 the distance to the snack bar, & on your left, these entrances looked like an old water well, i.e., wooden structure about 4 ft square, 3 ft high, in the tunnels were mess hall, barracks, I found 12 ancient Leica cameras …
Forgot to state that I was stationed at Fuchu, 1949-1952, 440th Sig (Avn) Hvy Cnstn Btln., P-X office, & Ground Safety officer.
i was at fuchu air station at the end of 1956 until around the end of 1957 or early 1958. i worked on the old manual telephone switchboard and teletype machines. I remember and old japanese infantry man named hojo the airforce had working on the switchboard. i got into some trouble because of my drinking (I stole my room-mates transistor radio and hocked it). they decided not to bust me but sent me to okinawa instead. i cant remember the sergeant’s name but he was a master sergeant with the diamond, a grade below a warrant officer. i was sure ashamed of what i did and still have nightmares about it. we were a pretty close team over there and i felt like i betrayed them. i continued to have problems and ended up with a general discharge and busted back to airman basic after 4 years service. no one understood alcholism back then but my sergeant told me to limit my drinking to 2 beers a day except when our bowling team was due to bowl. anyway, thanks for this website and the pictures of fuchu. i would appreciate an email from you. if you remember me or the incident that would be amazing.
My name is Karyn Salmon, formerly Burns. We lived in Fuchu from 65-69. My father was Kenneth W. Burns (Sarge) Stationed in Korea (USAF-SAC). This was such a hugh part of my life. Loved the NCO gioza. Looking for a Margie Wier or anyone from this erra that may have known my father or the Wiers.
I was stationed at Fuchu AS from May 65 – Apr 68. I worked at the Post Office, across the street from the BX. I have many fond memories of Fuchu, bowling, playing softball, basketball, etc. I worked for SSgt Phillips, and with Sgt Fawcett, Dwight D Dotson, Jerry Brogdon, Harold Thompson, and there were others that don’t come to mind. I would love to re-live those days of ole.
For Ralph Arnold…..
I had a friend that was a good bowler….tall guy….red headed if memory serves me right. I had a transistor radio stolen that cost my Dad $45 way back then. Might have been mine, but I don’t remember anyone being caught.
I was upset, because money was tight for my family back in the States. If you were in the 1956 Communications Squadron, then it might have been mine. You are of course forgiven.
We all drank too much Ralph. Booze was cheap, but we made damn little money. My pay grade at that time was ~$99 per month. My email is nporter@bellsouth.net, if you wish to communicate and I can send older and current photos.
I was stationed at Fuchu air station with the 1956 comm sq from 1961-1963
For Ralph Arnold….
The First Sgt’s name was Riggleman. Please contact me via email address. nporter@bellsouth.net
My wife and her twin sister, along with another younger sister were all born there in 1960 and 1961. Their father (AF captain) and mother were stationed there.
Thanks you, MJG, for these fascinating pics of FAS. So little had been published online about the facility over the years that I’d given up searching for it. Your pics and description, quite honestly, shocked me.
I arrived at FAS in ‘68, and left in ‘70. By then the station had already begun to wind down; the dorms, meant to house 2-per-room and at full capacity when I arrived, were half empty by late-1970.
Until I discovered your site, I assumed that the facility might have closed, but I didn’t imagine that it would have been abandoned. Redeveloped, certainly, but not abandoned. I guessed (incorrectly) that in the 40+ years since the USAF relocated its HQ that the property would have found another purpose. Only 15 miles from central Tokyo and a with a population density of 3000 per square mile, it seemed like a prime candidate for…something!
Your pics are somewhat haunting. I remember FAS as an active, vibrant facility, and a communications hub for the USAF/ Far East. I also remember it as the place to return after many a late night in Shinjuku.
Thanks again…for the memories.
Just found this site and enjoyed reading everyone’s comments along with the photos. I was stationed at Fuchu AS November, 1961 through October 1963. Worked in Base Communications Center (1956th Communications Group) Lots of good memories about Fuchu and the surrounding area. Remember getting on the train and riding all day to different areas to visit. We also had some wild beach squadron parties as well. I remember the Bowling Alley that made the BEST hamburger I think I have ever eaten. A hamburger and a Miller beer was a good combination. I have lost track of almost everyone who was stationed there with me. I have forgotten a lot of the names, but I still remember the faces. I left Fuchu in 1963 and was reassigned to Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina. Myrtle beach AFB was also a victim of deactivation and was closed in 1993. Of course this was and still is a huge vacation resort area, the old base has been completely revamped for local area business. Actually it is quite a beautiful place. There are still some monuments and small remembrances of the old base. Since my home is only an hour and half away, my family and I visit the beach quite often. As a matter of fact, as I am writing this my family and I are on vacation at Myrtle Beach. If anyone out there recognizes my name and can relate please do so.
I was stationed at Fuchu from Oct 57-June 58 with the 421th Air Police Sq. Norman Lee Porters post brought back a lot of memories…like Yakidama and Tori wine, the Picture Theatres with sub titles and the Hong Kong tailors outside the main gate. I remember having to pay I think 2 dollars to eat in mess hall to pay for the girl waitress. Wow was the food ever great..
Thanks for the comments everyone, Ken thanks for your comments on my photos- I wish I could do the place more justice. I wonder if they’d let me in to shoot officially, if I asked nicely?
Am glad people are able to use this page as a kind of facebook to catch up with old Air-force alums. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Reading the comments, I feel like a youngster! I was stationed at Fuchu Air Station from ‘73 to ‘75, in the 1956th Communications Group, working Tech Control at the AUTOVON site. Along with a couple of buddies I climbed the microwave tower one night, seemingly a right-of-passage for many of us who worked in the Comm Group. Unfortunately I’ve completely lost touch with everybody. First lived on Fuchu itself, but a nasty earthquake hastened our move to barracks at Tachikawa, and then we just bussed back and forth. Had a great time when I was there; the han was a great place for quick food, beer, whisky and sake. Guess the microwave stuff stuck with me as I subsequently spent more than 20 years working with microwave systems, and climbed an ungodly number of towers. I’m, very surprised the site was abandoned; what a prime piece of real estate! For anybody who remembers me and wants to get back in touch: bczerwin@yahoo.com
I enjoyed reading all of the comments. I was stationed there 1958-1962. I lived in the BOQ for the first 7 months until my wife came over and then we lived at Grant Hieghts. I was a young ROTC Air Force Lt. first with the 600th Support Wing and then with HQ 5th AF. Those were truly interesting times, long enough after WWII for the wounds to have healed and the Cold War was cool enough to be almost peaceful. We loved the entire expereince. We have talked about going back, but have always come to the same conclusion that everything has changed and we wouldn’t recognize a single thing and thus we prefer to keep the memories precious where they are.
Mike – thanks for the pictures and everyone for the comments. I was stationed at Fuchu 1979 – early 1982. Hard to believe it’s been almost 30 years since I left Japan. Those crazy shifts and the bus ride still linger. Abandoned bases are always hard to see, but I do appreciate knowing what happened.
Very interesting photos and stories. I was at Fuchu from 1979-1981 (with Gail). At the time, it was not an active base, but an outpost. We were all stationed at Yokota AB and traveled to Fuchu to keep the communications stations and power plant going. We had 3 groups: Autovon, Digital and Power. Even back then we occasionally wandered around and explored abandoned base houses, probably for officers. Gail and I were in the first group of women to be assigned to Fuchu (late 1970’s). Our commute took us by the old Tachikawa air base, which was also abandoned at that time. After our tours ended, the facilities at Yokota were expanded and Fuchu was finally completely shut down. A co-worker of mine from Fuchu days stayed in Japan and married a local girl. I was in Japan on business about 12 years ago and he told me that Fuchu had been turned into a beautiful park and that it has a great soccer field, but we didn’t go and visit.
For those of you who have Google Earth on their PC, you can access the old Fuchu Air Station and see how it looks today. There are some good pictures embedded in the imagery of the base as it exists today. Quite vivid is the old abandoned section at the rear of the base where you can see the old Tower and Parabolic Dishes among the vegetation and old barracks ruins. It shows the ruins very well. also, at the front of the base, (the old 5th hdqtrs Bldg) it looks very good as well as other bldgs ajoining. When I was stationed there in 1961-1963, our barracks, (1956th Comm Sq.) was located just to the left of the 5th hdqtrs bldg, about a block behind the bldg. Now that entire area has been turned into a beautiful Park, (Fuchu no mori Park). Lots of new/different bldgs have been added in areas that I remember well during my stay. In the area of what used to be the Airmen’s Club there is a School. Wow! how time flies. I just wish I had more pictures of the old Fuchu AS as it was when I was there. On a good clear morning, I could see Mt. Fujiyama in the distance from my barracks. It is amazing to see how the city and surrounding area have grown over the years.
Thanks for the pictures. I was stationed at Fuchu 62 and 63. Was assigned to the 6000th support squadron and worked at the PACOM Elint Center. Barracks was next to the little league ball field just down from the Airmen’s club. Remember very well the Airman’s club and the “Han” and maybe some other things we won’t go into. Any one out there who worked in the center during this time is welcome to contact me.
Fuchu Autovon Tech Control 72-74.
I was insanely lucky to be posted to Fuchu.
Good friends, absolutely loved the job. Spent most of my time either tinkering with electronics (Akihabara got most of my paycheck) or hanging at the OC. What was nice was, I was accepted as a geek before geek was cool.
Oh, and we streaked the Han. That was cool.
Now if only I could get accepted as a geezer….
BruceR
Haunting photos, I could almost see the ghosts of my friends and colleagues drifting amid the old run-down buildings.Sad to see the current condition of the place as compared with all my great memories of the place! I was stationed at the PACOM Elint Center, 1965-1967, lived on-base in the barracks by the BX Cafeteria. I remember playing in a marathon softball game against a team from the postal outfit to raise funds for a Japanese orphanage. What memories your pictures brought out. I also found it interesting to read the experiences of others who were stationed there before and after my assignment. After viewing your photos, I also looked up Fuchu , AS on Google earth and saw a similar sight from the bird’s eye view. Time indeed brings changes.
THANK YOU!
I worked in the basecomm center from 66-70 and unlike most above I’ve kept in touch with many of my Fuchu friends. And unlike most I actually returned to Japan, first to the Tokyo area and later Kyushu and Shikoku and taught English there for over 20 years. I, too think the condition of the base is sad and though I was single, had an off base “apato” and spent most of my free time in Shinjuku, Harajuku, Ikebukuro and the Kamakura and Hayama beaches. Thus, I only recall an occasional on base movie but do admit the bowling alley had great hamburgers though I then ate and still do mostly Japanese foods.
Hi, very interesting article.
If you want to share or discover other abandoned air bases:
http://www.explo-guide.com/+-Air-base-+
I was stationed at Fuchu 1968 to 1970. Worked at PEC. Was part of the Navy Security Group Detachment. I was one of the last left behind to close out PEC when they moved the center to Hawaii. Being in the Navy, I couldn’t believe that we each had our own room in the barracks. I had a great time, worked with some outstanding military professionals and made some good friends. I remember the Ace bar, right outside the maingate. Used to sit and watch the young airmen on “amateur night”. They’d enter the establishment with money and leave broke. Spent a lot of off time on the Ginza and riding the trains all over Japan. I especially remember when I visited Hiroshima and went to the memorial, very moving. I also remember one winter before Christmas when everyone in the PEC enlisted barracks fell out , placed a lot of beer in the snow and we built a snow man that was one story tall. It’s a shame that they have given the base up to the “jungle”, I have a lot of great memories of the time I spent on Fuchu.
[...] 5- Fuchu US Air Force Base [...]
Left Brady AFB 11/1961 for FAS and the 6988th RSM. Vividly recall the par 3 hole golf, movie theater, judo and what I believe was the best em mess hall in the USAF. Trips to Tokyo, Mt fuji and others. Good tour
I really enjoyed reading everyone’s message. I was stationed at Fuchu A S from 1969 to 1971. I really enjoyed being stationed there. I loved the 10 cent beers at the Airmen’s Club. I worked at the Communication Center. My dorm was near the bowling alley. I played on the softball team ( the B team ) and we won the Kanto Base Command ( ? ) championship in 1971 ( ? ). I would love to hear from anyone stationed there at that time. If you’re in the Boston area send me an e-mail. Some of the guys I hung around with were : Don Little, Ken Jacobs, George Cross, Bunkie Robillard, Larry Wofford, John Gall, Larry Linder and Bob Kirk.
A bunch of us once went to a game between the Tokyo Giants and the SF Giants. We held a sign at the game that said ” Go Red Sox ” and we were on the radio.
My last name on my birth certificate was spelled Brazil so I had to go by that name even though it really is Brazell.
I have really enjoyed this site and have enjoyed reading all the postings. I too was stationed at Fuchu AS 1969-1971 and was assigned to the 1956th Communication Sq. Thanks to this site I think I have found A fellow Airman from long ago. Weasel get in touch!! lwofford@mvtel.net
I was extremely lucky as I was stationed at FAS twice..
Came over in 1958 straight out of radiio school (Keesler-Where else!)
and was station with the 1956th Comm Grouip..worked in building 325
across the street from the chow hall..
kWOrked for abouit a month in Air/Ground radio and then they asked for
volunteers to cross train into Tech Control.. best offer I ever got !
Old pros like Sgt McArcarthy and Sgt Muse/ Sgt Givens and Sgt Gandy
were great examples of professional Tech Controllers..and Bail Woods
was my hero!..
I left Fuchu and returned a year after the Olympics had been in Japan
and went to work in the new Tech Control facility in the 5th Hq building…
FIrst tour I worked with Bill Westlund, John Cornett, and shared the ‘
baccacks room with Gordon Larson..
Second tour I had gotten marreid and lived at Green Park..government
housing about 5 miles from Fuchu..it was a converted air plane engine
factory ( or so I heard)..
I enjoyed the Japanese people and would have gone back for a third
tour if it was offered…
Bob Hanson, USAF (Ret)
I was stationed there 1958-1960 and it was number one duty for a young man. Many good times and my friend Bob Hanson will back me up on that.
I only wish that I had been smart enough to see more of Japan than I did.
I have some picture of our barracks, chow hall and 5th AF HQ building.
Have pictures of us in Airmens club.
Paul Mauss, Carl Gilbert, John Cornet, (sadly passed on), Bill Estlund, Bob Stelljes, Berkheiser, and Brodrick.
I worked Microwave.
I also was stationed at Fuchu, same time period as Bob Hanson and Gordon Larson. At the time, I thought it was the greatest assingment in the USAF. Sorry to see that the base fell into such disrepair.. I think I can say for all of us stationed there, it was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Both Bob and Gordon have said it all. We worked with the best Controllers in the field. John Cornett was my roomie, when we were in the barracks.. Sorry to hear he is no longer with us. Great site, keep up the good work and thanks for the memories!
Paul Mauss, USAF, (Ret)
I was stationed at Fuchu from 1969-1974, at the STC, Autovon site below the M/W Antenna. Very fond memories both on and off the base. So glad to see the pictures and often wondered what happened to the facility. Knew JASDAF stayed around a while, but lost track of what happened to the US side. Lived for a while in the NCO barracks behind the bowling alley and moved outside the fence after marrying a local cilivian employee, (no longer married). Involved with Autocross and Sports Car racing while a member of he Tokyo Sports Car Club, at the old Tachikawa Base. Thanks to a friend Joe Napper also stationed there for sending me this link..
Thanks so very much for putting this online.
These photos are quite astonishing. I was a young child when my father was stationed at Fuchu (we lived on Kanto Mura Family Housing Annex) from 1970-1973, and I visited Fuchu a few times with my father, but I can’t really recall too many details about the base surroundings. I still find the photos rather sad. I forwarded this page link to my father and here are his comments regarding the images:
“The remnants of Fuchu AS do, indeed, look bad. The large dish antennae were for ‘tropospheric’ radio communications. I was in the AUTOVON maintenance section in a building at the base of the microwave tower. The base water tower was just across the street from our front door. I was always concerned that it, being concrete, might collapse and flood the facility during an earthquake! When I returned to Japan from McClellan AFB for that job in Okinawa in 1975, Fuchu was already being shut down, the AUTOVON facility being one of the few operations left. At any rate, missions change, technology changes, allies change…we probably should have been out of there by the mid/late 1950’s!”
What fond memories! Sorry to see beautiful Fuchu Air Station look so worn.
I was stationed there in from Oct 1958 – Oct 1960.
It was the 1956th AACS SQ and I worked in Channel Tech Control wtih
Duane Hanson (Bob now) and John Cornett.. Gordon Larson was one of
our favorite micro-wave men.
I was a Ham Radio operator with the call sign of KA2RA .
I had a private room on the 3rd level in the barracks next to the old water tower. Of course I had a dipole antenna hanging out my 3rd floor window to the water tower. BC610 Xmtr and BC342 Recvr. Many good chats with stateside on 20 meters both on AM Phone and CW. I think Bob, John and Gordy all shared a beverage or two in my Ham Shack. http://www.qrz.com/hampages/d/v/k0jvd/k0jvd.jpg
I was stationes at Fuchu from 1954 till 1957 . I was assigned to the 1956th AACS Squdeom , Worked in the teletype carrier section, then became the NCOIC of the Micro section, Was responsible for it installation at Fuchu, Owado, Sakado and Funibashi. After wife arrived, we lived at Green Park F-305. Retired in 1966.
I was stationed at Fuchu A.B. from 1969 to 1971. I was assigned to the 6114th. Air Base Squadron, civil engineers.
It was my first assignment, and I will never forget how beautiful the land and the people were.
Sure would appreciate more photos, if they are available.
Nice, I was there 1980-83 mostly in the DTC in the HQ Building but spent time in STC. Playing War and shooting roman candles from the tower was fun. Remember well riding the bus from American Village. Loved to eat at Norio’s and bar hoping outside the main gate. All the JASDAF guys were great!
Good memories!
Thanks for the momories. I was at Fuchu 1961-1963, 56 comm cntr tty maintenance. Worked a while in the 88th. Spent most of the time in the aireman’s clup on “chits”. After payday, went to the “hon” till I was broke again. Was there any other way to live? Still have dreams of returning to Fuchu but from the pictures, don’t know if I want to. I too was shipped to Myrtle Beach, SC as Joe Gall, how do I get to communicate him?
Hey Abreo, we must have rubbed elbows at Fuchu 1961-1963. I was also in the 1956th comm sq, worked in the Base Comm Center. You say you also went to Myrtle Beach AFB, SC? Where did you work at Myrtle Beach? Well I shipped to Myrtle Beach from Fuchu in late 1963 worked in the Base Comm Center also, (2066th Comm Sq.) I suppose you know that MBAFB was deactivated in 1993. Lots of the old Bldgs have been demolished and have been replaced with a Shops, Restaurants, town Houses, community centers….etc, etc. Would enjoy communicating with you more …
James, I don’t remember your name, don’t take this personal as I don’t remember a lot of things back then. Did you have a nickname? I was with the 727ACW in Myrtle Beach and did nothing for a year, just waited to get out. Spent 2 nights in jail for “drunk on highway” traffic tickets, was on foot. After 2 years at Fuchu, it was hard to adjust to American life. People in SC didn’t appreciate a good drunk. My e-mail address: leonjan3@yahoo.com
Just happened on this site and it reminded me of my familys time at Fuchu. My Dad was M/Sgt C.C.Cole and we lived in a compund off base. We rode the bus to school and visited Tachi. I remember the bowling ally, theater and gas station where father had to go get our drinking water since we were not allowd to drink the water out of the tap. When we first moved there we could get 5cent hamburgers. We all liked going on base on the weekend to buy at the stalls the locals were allowed to set up. Behind our compound was a cemetary which we visited often. Not like ours here, since there were roads thru it and tables where locals went to eat lunch. We were there in 1959 and got to kinow 2 Japanese students who came to our house often to learn English. Tomo and Furihata. I have often wondered what happened to the two of them. I have fond memories of that time and am sorry to see the old base so overgrown.
Was at Tachi 1954-1957 in Comm. At Fuchu 1963-1967 with the 1956th comm. Was fortunate to work for UPI during the olympics. Back to Fuchu in 1971(?) to 1975. Have a novel published (I’ll Never Forget You), which deals somewhat with Japan.
This is my second visit. and the photos really are melancholic for me. Steinbeck in his book, “Travels with Charle” goes back to his old home town. After a lack luster visit where his warm memories are not matched by the reality of the current place, writes,”you never can go back”.
With the current conditions of Fuchu it is soo true! BUT, as the others here remark, we can get back together with those who worked at the same outfit, before, during, and after out time there.
SO, Andy, Charles Whitson, and any other personnel who were stationed at the PACOM Elint Center while it was located at Fucu, send me an email, some of us from the mid 1960s are considering a all personnel reunion somewhere, sometome around 2011-12 while we still can get around
. You can reach me at:
cal1advise@aol.com