The remodeled Okinawa Veterinary Treatment Facility opened for normal business on Wednesday April 20th at their original location in building 731 on Kadena Air Base.
"I am very happy to see this project completed and the hospital now open for business. I was able to work on this construction project from the very beginning planning phases, all the way to the first day of surgery and everything in between. This new building is a state of the art veterinary medical facility that will provide a high level care to the military working dogs (MWDs) stationed on Okinawa in addition to serving as the referral facility for over 150 MWDs within Japan, Guam, and Diego Garcia, explained Major Kent Vince, U.S. Army chief, Okinawa Branch, Japan District Veterinary Command.
Major Vince went onto to recognize the following individuals for this team effort. Special thanks went to:
1) The 18th Medical Group's COL King and Mr. Karl Yamashiro who obtained $2,020,250 for construction.
2) The 718th Civil Engineering Squadron, especially Ms. Angie Noble - the project manager, and Mr. Sadakatsu Maezato - the project inspector, for designing and overseeing the daily construction of this outstanding hospital.
3) US Army Pacific Regional Veterinary Commander COL Paul Whippo for providing over $285,000 for new equipment for the hospital.
4) COL Borgert and the 18th Force Support Squadron for purchasing over $65,000 of furniture, computers and equipment and providing computer networking and logistical support for moving everything into the new hospital.
The mission of Okinawa VTF remains the same; providing primary veterinary care to the 50 military working dogs of the 18th Security Forces Squadron, III MEF HG Military Police Support Company and Marine Corps Bases Japan PMO in addition to serving as a surgical referral facility for over 150 MWDs and government owned animals throughout Japan, Guam, and Diego Garcia. As a secondary mission, the Okinawa VTF provides care for over 9,400 service member owned pets stationed on Okinawa.
Hours of Operation are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.,Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed weekends, holidays and the last duty day of the month. To schedule an appointment please call 959-1300. After hours emergency number 090-6860-2203.
On May 18th, everyone is invited to an official "Leash Cutting Ceremony." The new building is located at the end of Davis drive just north of the 18th Medical Group.
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