Families Depart on Last MAVDD Flight from Atsugi, Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Vivian Blakely, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- The last contracted flight for DoD dependents participating in the Military Assisted Voluntary Departure of Dependents (MAVDD) left Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, March 28.

According to NAF Atsugi officials, more than 1,500 people have departed through the MAVDD program since March 21. This last flight carried just more than 100 people out of Japan.

Families and friends waited in Atsugi's hangar 183 for the last departure provided by Ryan International Airline.

For Petty Officer 2nd Class Ricardo Garcia, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, this flight was perfect timing for his wife and three kids who had just returned from leave.

"Our main concern is this little boy," Garcia said as he cradled his sleeping infant son in his arms. "It's hard because I'm going to be the only one staying at home once they leave. It's going to be hard both ways. Hard for them, because my wife has three kids she has to take care of."

Garcia said his family would not be returning to Japan as he would be retiring in July.

Not everyone leaving however was a DoD dependent. "I would have left earlier," said Marcine Woodley, an instructor with the Sullivan's Elementary School based in Yokosuka. "However, there has been multiple information put out about DoDDs teachers and whether we are permitted to leave."

"I'll come back to Japan when it's safe," said Woodley. "I want to know that it's safe for my family and myself, and the children we teach at the Sullivans."

For more information on the voluntary authorized departure for eligible DoD family members from designated areas in Japan, read NAVADMIN 093/11 at www.npc.navy.mil.

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the NFAAS support site at www.navyfamily.navy.mil to ensure the Navy can track and assess support requirements for all parties affected.

Navy Fleet and Family Support Center has a 24-hour hotline available to provide family support information at 866-854-0638.