Moving to a new duty station is a hallmark of military life, offering opportunities for adventure and new experiences. Port to Home is a newer option available to military families to make the process of transitioning to Okinawa quite a bit easier. For families relocating to Japan, the process of securing housing can seem daunting, but with the right information, it can be a smooth transition. Here’s what you need to know about housing options and utilizing port to home in Okinawa

Base Housing Overview:

In Okinawa, housing assignments are primarily managed through Kadena Housing, regardless of whether you are affiliated with the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, or Air Force. When it comes to housing, there are two main options: living on-base or living off-base.

On-Base Housing:

If you opt for on-base housing, your assignment will be determined by your service member’s working location and rank. On-base housing in Okinawa comes in various forms, including apartment-style towers, duplexes, or single-family homes.

When it comes to securing on-base housing, you have two choices:

1. Select a Home Upon Arrival: Under this option, you may need to wait for a suitable house to become available. Patience is key, as housing availability can vary.
2. Port to Home: This is a fairly new option available to military families, so if you have been stationed in Okinawa before, this may be new to you as well. This option allows you to have a home ready the moment you arrive in Okinawa. To utilize Port to Home, you’ll need to apply in advance and provide your flight information and arrival date to Kadena Housing. They will then present you with three housing options in different areas (hopefully- they will always give three but they won’t always be in different housing areas). You must select one of the three houses provided.

Once you’ve chosen a home, your sponsor will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and will sign for the house on your behalf. However, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) won’t start being deducted until your official arrival date.

Here are a list of necessary paperwork and items needed to apply for housing:

Housing Application-Instructions

Housing Application(DD form 1746)

Sponsor/Service member Checklist for Military Family Housing

Sex Offender Disclosure and Acknowledgement(AF form 4422)

Pet Registration Form

Guest In Quarters

Housing Verification for Dental Care on Kadena AB

AF Form 332 Self Help Project for Fence, Patio Awnings, Canopy and instruction

Retention of Quarters

Okinawa MFH Refuse and Recycling Guide

Housing Index(Designation and bed room)

And here is an overview of the Port to Home process:

If you decide to do Port to Home, you will submit the following documents. You can submit these as they come in- you do not need to hold on to them until you have everything. This means you can submit your Orders, Area Clearance, Application, Sex Offender Form, Pet Registration form, and other easily completed forms while you wait for things like your flight itinerary.

• Housing application
• Orders
• Area Clearance (USMC ONLY)
• Dependent entry approval (USN ONLY)
• Sex Offender Form
• Special Power of Attorney for your sponsor to get your keys and sign for the house
• Flight Itineraries

Furniture and Amenities:

You will rate 90 days of government furniture while you wait for your Household Goods to arrive. If you do Port to Home, the government furniture will be in your house before you even arrive on island, which makes for a much smoother and easier transition for the entire family. Government-furnished housing in Okinawa typically includes essential items such as a queen bed for the master bedroom, a twin bed for additional rooms, dressers, a kitchen table, and a couch. However, you will need to arrange for your own bedding, so be sure to coordinate with your sponsor for assistance.

Additionally, families have the option to utilize government furniture for up to 90 days after arrival. It’s important to schedule the pickup of government furniture at least one day before the arrival of your Household Goods (HHG), as pickups are not conducted on the same day. Consider packing air mattresses in your Express Shipment for this reason as you will have at least one night, maybe several, where you will be house-camping in between the government furniture pick-up and the delivery of your HHGs.

It is also recommended that you coordinate with your sponsor to have any lending locker items delivered to your house ahead of time. Your sponsor can go to pick up those items at the Lending Locker facility on Kadena or Marine and Family Programs on Camp Foster. These items include pots, pans, dished, utensils, cups, coffee pots, and sometimes things like air fryers or toasters if you’re lucky!

---

Moving to Okinawa, Japan, as a military family offers the opportunity for exciting adventures and cultural experiences. By understanding the housing options available and working closely with your sponsor and Kadena Housing, you can ensure a smooth transition for you and your loved ones. Remember to stay patient, flexible, and proactive throughout the process, and soon you’ll be settling into your new home in Okinawa.

For more information and resources, be sure to visit the Kadena Housing website and consult with your unit’s relocation office. Safe travels and best wishes for your upcoming move to Okinawa!

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on moving to Okinawa.