I'm an AF vet from the 1960's. I was stationed at Fuch AS, Japan and later Sembach AB, Germany. They have since been closed but they were great bases and I have many fond memories of them and my time in the USAF in general.
I was at Sembach (or at least my dorm room was there) 76-79. It is now Sembach Kaserne. (They have a fairly active Facebook page.) From there I was sent what used to be Itazuke AB in Japan. There was some sort of admin foul-up that needed be fixed before I could go down there. They couldn't have me sitting around doing nothing, so they sent me to the Fuchu Tech Control Facility to help relabel patch panels.
I lived on RAF Lakenheath 92'-95', but was assigned to RAF Mildenhall. Loved it. Yokota AB was my first assignment 85'-88' and I truly loved this assignment! Thinking about going back to visit soon. TDY at Kadeena really didn't do it for me. Except for the marina. Spent 6 months at Aviano AB from November 92' - May 93'. Was a nice TDY. Loved the snow skiing at Piancavallo Ski Resort.
Aviano AFB, Italy is an absolute gem. I agree it is the best duty location. Its a place that will always be a special experience for any airman stationed there. If I could have retired there I would have.
Hi Kyle. My son is currently station in Osan Air Base in South Korea. It's his first duty station. He really likes it there. My son mentioned that the base is huge. Bigger then Sheppard where he went to tech school. The people there are very nice. The weather isn't bad. The food is great. He's even thinking about extending his tour there longer. Thank you for all your videos. My husband and I learn a lot from watch them. Keep it up. 👍
I made a pledge in the 50s while station at K-55, the sand bagged F-86F fighter base called Osan. "If II get out of here alive I will never complain about anything ever again".
I was stationed at Spangdahlem and Ramstein, Spangdahlem was awesome and Ramstein was aweful. I spent a lot of time in Luxembourg which the city was about 45 minutes away from Spangdahlem and France about the same depending on where you went. No matter where you go the German people are wunderbar.
1) Spangdahlem AB, Germany, was my favorite base 93-96 with Ramstein being a close second (2000-2005). Spangdahlem is so close to Belgium, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and France. You get so much travel opportunities being within an hour from the multiple borders.
I was at Aviano for my first assignment in Nov '86 through Nov '89. It was smaller then, than it is now. We had aircraft come in from the 401st FW in Torrejon, Spain, but did not have permanent aircraft back then. Other than NATO TAC evals, I loved everything about it. I made great friends that I still talk to 35 years later. I would love to go back and do so many more things that I never even thought to do then, and we stayed busy even at that. It's the assignment of a lifetime. Don't waste it.
I’m actually at Alconbury UK and it’s INCREDIBLY small, and I love it. I wouldn’t say it’s actually that rainy or overcast, and it’s only an hour away. It’s an amazing base. Stress free
I have to agree on Torrejon for the Air Force. For the Division of the Boat People (U.S.Navy) it's the Spanish south west costal resort town of Rota, Spain north of Cadiz. NAS Rota is on the beach adjacent to the town of Rota and has its docks and its own 10,000 foot runway.
I've been to all five of those bases and I would agree with the order you provided. However, Let me learn you about Camp Darby in Livorno Italy. Best location ever. Five minutes from Pisa, and in the heart of Tuscany Italy.
My dad was stationed at Mildenhall from ‘14-‘17 and we lived off base and I went to a British school. My family loved it, great experience, Lakenheath being right there is super convenient and it has nice culture. It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life and sure it rains a lot but you get used to it pretty quick.
I had the good fortune of being stationed twice at RAF Lankenheath. You were spot on about the difference between RAF Mildenhall. OPS tempo was crazy both in the seventies and the early nineties. My AFAC was 427X4 metals tech. Thanks and I’ve been enjoying the videos from you both.
Good luck tomorrow! Don't stress it, just do what you're told and pay attention to detail. It's hard to mess up, in my experience everyone was really nice, hopefully same for you
I was stationed at Hickam from 1969 to 1972. Even though Hawaii is the 50th state the USAF considered it as an overseas base. Lots of history there from buildings on base having bullet holes from 12/7/41. I visited Pearl Harbor several times including the Arizona Memorial. I got to see part of the movie Tora Tora Tora being filmed. I visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation up by Wheeler AFB. There is the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Sea Life Park. I visited the Bishop Museum.
Stationed at Spangdahlem for 3 years and loved it and your right it's all farmland around but the closest city is Bitburg where there is a ton of things to do.
There's Wittlich and Trier. They are sorta kinda near Spangdahlem. I grew up on that base and miss Spangdahlem now everyday. It was my favorite base a I grew up. It was wonderful living there as a kid. Worst base I lived in was easily Alexandria AFB in Alexandria Louisiana. The base was OK but the civilians in the surrounding area were terrible people. I was not sad when they closed that base. I couldn't wait to leave. Anyhoo, yeah, Spangdahlem is definitely out in country. It's so beautiful there.
Those of us who did tours in Alaska and Iceland would certainly have those on our list. Alaska at the top, Iceland midway. Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage and Eilson AFB in Fairbanks are the largest Air Force Bases in Alaska. Alaska is one of those "best kept secrets" locations because people (including myself) constantly tried to extend our tours up there. That's how good it was. If you like outdoors activities to include but certainly not limited to: hunting, fishing fresh water, fishing deep sea, hiking, skiing, four wheeling, nature trails, mountain climbing, etc., etc., etc., consider destination Alaska as a premium tour. Also, in Alaska, with the huge cost of living off base, there are great net plus opportunities for part time employment or full-time civilian employment for spouses. Just for example, waaaaaaay back in the 80's, when minimum wage was barely $3.00 an hour, I worked part time in the BX for $14.10 an hour. That kind of differential makes a lot of difference in your standard of living. Iceland. Base is closed to permanent party now. They only use TDY personnel on a rotating basis. Back when it was open it was a fantastic "hidden jewel" within Air Force assignments. Mainly because of the location. From Iceland you can get to basically any part of Europe by air in less than two hours. I knew people who left after a year with over 20 stamps on their passports because every other weekend they'd take off somewhere.
Came across this as my son was looking at the military. I travel for work, and my company has a lot of military/DoD contracts, so I do end up on a lot of these bases. The guys at Osan often say that it is very easy to get in to a lot of trouble there, and it is quite regular that the base has strict curfews. But South Korea is a very cool place overall, so the chance to be there would be great. I have visited Yokota several times, and my company puts us up at the Kanto Lodge on base. Really good views of Fuji, especially in the morning, before the haze sets in, so you know you are not too far away. Not exactly certain what other bases are like, but Yokota does seem to have great amenities. Aviano is a great location, right in northeastern Italy. You are between Venice and the Alps, and both are easy day trips. Plus Austria, Switzerland, and Germany are close as well. If you like skiing and snowboarding, some of the best and most famous resorts in the world are just a few hours away. On top of that, weekend getaways to Rome (as you mentioned), Munich, Vienna, Milan, and Salzburg are all easily doable. Oh, and don't forget Italian food...
I grew up living in Spangdahlem Afb from 1983 to 1990. I t was different base back then. Bitburg (which is no longer around) was the better base. From what I hear Spangdahlem has had a ton of my improvements . I really miss that base and would love to return.
Korea has dope internet. Osan is awesome because while you may be unaccompanied, you can have a car and live off base as an E4. Taxi cabs are super cheap and you are close to Seoul. I could semi handle Osan and an unaccompanied tour.
Stationed there on two 6 mo. TDY tours in 93’/94’ and at the end of 95’ for the Bosnian conflict VMFA(aw)533 Marines F/A18D squadron. Lived in a tent city next to the airstrip and golf course. Absolutely a great gig. The Air Force folks treated us very well and it was just an all around cool experience other than being an unaccompanied tour.
😂 i guess you can say Aviano is the warmest during summer, but actually winters in the UK are very mild, never really gets below freezing(not that it doesn’t, but very few days) I’ve been to Aviano in winter and it’s pretty cold, you know being at the base of the Alps and all 😂.
I was an KC-135 & KC-10 Boom Operator during my career and flew to everyone of these bases mentioned. To me the best bases all depends on the best chance for Space-A travel. Osan and Kunsan did have 4- year assignments where you could bring your family over.
Germany was amazing for me. I was stationed twice at Ramstein, from 1986-88, and then 1997-99. I loved it. In 1999, there were plans in place to essentially make Ramstein the "Gateway to Europe" base that Rhein-Main AB had been before they started to close Rhein-Main down. I've often wondered how much Ramstein has changed since then. Oddly enough, the best Mexican restaurant I'd ever eaten at was not too far from Ramstein. If I recall correctly, it was named Casa de Rosita. Oh, and I lived off-base in the nearby town of Spesbach during my second tour. I had the second floor of a three story house to myself... just down the street from a church. It was a nice, quiet town, and my landlords were wonderful people.
No way, they closed down Rhein-main? That breaks my heart. My family used to love to drive there from Spagdahlem to shop. They had a way better BX than we did on Spagdahlem. I also hate that they closed down Bitburg. I went to high school on that base (Spangdahlem at the time had no high school so we had to ride a bus to Bitburg every morning. )I have many great memories of Bitburg and Rhein Main AFB
I have a distinct love for Aviano since I grew up there as a teenager and visited a couple times to fill up with jet fuel. RAF Mildenhall also was one of my favorite places since I spent months there TDY supporting the SR71. Great location, people were awesome and you could easily bus to Norwich, Cambridge and London. The weather was okay, but it was really the locals that made the difference. Not many places where you can see a crowd of tail watchers on the outskirts of the airfield. Liked Spanghalem because of its central location for exploring. Never visited Osan and only stoped in Yokota 2-3 times. Spent nearly months in Okinawa TDY. I enjoyed it because I spoke Japanese so I would take my aircrew members downtown for real Japanese food. Not a big thing as not a lot of military were wandering outside the base gates, but at least they got an exposure to Japanese culture.
I was in the USAF from 1969 - 1989 and my first 3 overseas assignments were to Thailand from 1970-76. Pretty darn good assignments for a young unmarried (at the time) airman. However my absolute favorite as to Hickam AFB, HI (is it still considered overseas?). Why you may ask? Well, that's easy - it's Hawaii. I spent 5 of the best years of my career there.
My dad was stationed in Sasebo, japan. All Navy dependents went to Itazuke AFB for our medical stuff. At the time, there was a funny song of the time called, Itazuke Tower.
Haven’t been to Ramstein, but spent 20 days at Spangdahlem and you are spot on, I’d definitely prefer to be there if you want Germany all day long due to the more rural setting and slower tempo
I miss Spagdahlem. I grew up there back in the 80's. It was my favorite base growing up. I would love to see how it's changed from when I was a kid. You're right about it having a slow tempo. I kinda envy you. Enjoy Spangdahlem while you're there. It's a great base.
Theres actually more than 2 bases in Korea that AF can go to: Osan, Kunsan, Daegu (hidden gem), Camp Humphreys, Gwangju Air Base, etc. 😀 Also Camp Darby in Italy is warmer than Aviano and available to AF.
Kyle - Andersen AFB in Guam is the warmest, even warmer than Kadena. 69F is the lowest recorded temperature there. Aviano may be warm during spring/summer, but I've spent many icy/snow days in Aviano. My personal preference (USAF only) after spending several months in over 100 US military bases would be: 1. Ramstein 2. Yokota 3. Lakenheath 4. Aviano 5. Osan
We lived in RAF lakenheath from 2010 - 2013 my mom worked in mildenhall so it was about a 15 min drive but it’s a straight shot for the most part, really nice base! Went to the middle school there!
I've been to Ramstien twice but I'm in the Marine Corps, and it's an awesome base. I worked and talked to a lot of their load masters there and they loved it. I do like Asia, but I have a sweet spot for Germany and the world war history of Europe so I much rather be stationed on that side of the world.
I was stationed at Wiesbaden AB Germany(now closed). Man it was great. Would go to Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Brussels, Venice, Berlin and Luxemburg on any given weekend. My second would be Aviano and then the two bases in England. I love the history(war and Monarch) as I do the war history of Germany. Got to visit Dachau(one of the terrible concentration camps.
I was there for two years it’s not bad, I can actually say I miss it there. Italians are usually really nice, and I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been ripped off there.
Im from Europe ,Croatia. 3hours drive away from Aviano . My husband was stationed there and Im gonna say Germany is definitely better location to be stationed in Europe because its closer to many other better european parts , because Aviano is in the part of Italy which isnt the nicest zthe beaches are dirty,water is gross....unless you travel down to Sicily,you wont see nice water around Aviano. Yes ,housing is expensive,but the Mountains and the small city is nice.
Currently in Aviano and can say it’s not nearly as good as people make it out to be. It’s insanely expensive, the mission isn’t the greatest, and the SOFA agreement makes it extremely difficult to be a family and staying afloat.
Anyone looking to go to Japan, I would NOT recommend Kadena especially as your first base. The tempo is insane for most jobs which “breaks” a lot of people of all ranks mentally especially FTA’s and all they want is to PCS or separate. Traveling is super hard right now due to covid so families can’t visit and restrictions are higher than anywhere in the world. Yokota is definitely the base to be at
Kadena is my first base, it's not so bad if you take the time to make friends with people and go out to explore the island or even go to mainland on a vacation.
Kadena hands down a great base. It was my #2 base. Aug 95-Aug 97. I wouldn't tell anyone not to go there. Things change along with time and that's everywhere. The majority of my friends I met there. I've been retired about 21 years. And I plan on going back for a visit hopefully next year. While stationed at Kunsan in 99-00 I flew back to Oki for vacation twice. Being stationed there was the best assignment and time of my life.
Technically, Incirlik AB is considered part of USAFE as well. Maybe not directly connected to Europe proper, but nevertheless. Was stationed there '94-'96. Then I PCS'd to Yokota AB.
As a Marine Officer who spent 6 years on Air Force bases, I would change a few. OSAN would not be in my top 5. I was there for 3 years. The Greek islands of Limnos, Skyros and a base near Athens would all be in my top 5. I do like Aviano in the top 5.
Hi man ,can you please talk about tech shool careers in jet aircraft field ,like Armament and crewchief and especially the Egress and SMS system . And good content ,keep it up
I am currently stationed at Osan AB, and would say it depends I think the majority of people are unaccompanied but there are also accompanied people here.
Imo Ramstein is better. France, Amsterdam, and Belgium are pretty close around. The night life in K-Town is pretty good. I live on ROB. Plus Ramstein Bx is like a mall and they have 2 Big Gyms that are like LA fitness
Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base Germany! It was like a three-year controlled vacation. Once a month, we went TDY to another European country for a week or so. Got paid to see Europe, can’t complain :-)
@@CarlJohnson5342 Awesome! Enjoy your time there. Been to Rota acouple of times to meet up with my Navy contacts thru work. Miss Spain but I do get back there thru the years to visit my wife's family.
Aviano is not warm all year round lol it gets cold and you still have to wear a jacket,there are mountains and possibility to snow. So nope its not as warm as you think
Great place, I was born there in Kadena in 1984. A lot has change since then, but the Okinawa people are great. Just don't assume their Japanese, their not and are proud Okinawa's.
@@jrstar1439 my personal opinion is its run down. I guess I prefer mainland Japan. I don't like the feeling of island fever. Dont get me wrong, parts of the island is beautiful, but the food in my opinion is subpar. The sushi wasnt as good, ramen lacked, and I couldnt find a decent Yakisoba spot. Everything else was good, like Indian and Turkish foods.
@@BlurredUniverse357 your right on! Being a kid there and going back as an adult a couple of times, changes your perspective of the island. If I was serving, much rather be station in the mainland of Japan.
Man, I loved Okinawa. Was there for 2 years. I will go back one day, the place is absolutely beautiful, and Kyoto ramen and some cocos make you wanna take a nice nap after, it’s so good.
Hi, I have a question I’m currently a UA-camr (I have a successful channel), I want to join to go to school for cs and for the benefit but I’m passionate about you I don’t want to stop it’s what I love if want to do it forever it’s a men fashion and grooming channel. Will they allow to do it? Is it a good idea to join?
My so is currently in Aviano...he said 3 guys are from Osan... their takes... "you're liver dies in Osan" also... "When in Osan...get your drink on" 🤣🤣🤣
I was stationed at Misawa from 79-81. It was my second assignment after Greenham/Welford, England. Misawa was a very close-knit base and we had all four service branches there, then. Off-base restaurants had some great food. Had a great time there.
I'm an AF vet from the 1960's. I was stationed at Fuch AS, Japan and later Sembach AB, Germany. They have since been closed but they were great bases and I have many fond memories of them and my time in the USAF in general.
I was at Sembach (or at least my dorm room was there) 76-79. It is now Sembach Kaserne. (They have a fairly active Facebook page.) From there I was sent what used to be Itazuke AB in Japan. There was some sort of admin foul-up that needed be fixed before I could go down there. They couldn't have me sitting around doing nothing, so they sent me to the Fuchu Tech Control Facility to help relabel patch panels.
Sembach is still open.
I went to middle school in Sembach 🥲
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I lived on RAF Lakenheath 92'-95', but was assigned to RAF Mildenhall. Loved it. Yokota AB was my first assignment 85'-88' and I truly loved this assignment! Thinking about going back to visit soon. TDY at Kadeena really didn't do it for me. Except for the marina. Spent 6 months at Aviano AB from November 92' - May 93'. Was a nice TDY. Loved the snow skiing at Piancavallo Ski Resort.
Was born there in 2001! Trying to go back when I enlist!
Aviano AFB, Italy is an absolute gem. I agree it is the best duty location. Its a place that will always be a special experience for any airman stationed there. If I could have retired there I would have.
My grandson is headed there in March…
yuuuup, been here since 1994. Aside the OPS tempo for AD folks, it can't be beat. I'm amazed at the folks who hate it here.
@@debramullaly1530what’s his name? I’m heading there this week
@@chrisbeall9098can you explain the tempo, I’ve been told the mission there is going to be hard
@@morrelltj7807 depends on your job.
Hi Kyle. My son is currently station in Osan Air Base in South Korea. It's his first duty station. He really likes it there. My son mentioned that the base is huge. Bigger then Sheppard where he went to tech school. The people there are very nice. The weather isn't bad. The food is great. He's even thinking about extending his tour there longer. Thank you for all your videos. My husband and I learn a lot from watch them. Keep it up. 👍
Whats his mos
I was @ Kunson. GO Wolf Pack.
lmfao he KAIP’ed didn’t he lol.
I made a pledge in the 50s while station at K-55, the sand bagged F-86F fighter base called Osan. "If II get out of here alive I will never complain about anything ever again".
I was stationed at Spangdahlem and Ramstein, Spangdahlem was awesome and Ramstein was aweful. I spent a lot of time in Luxembourg which the city was about 45 minutes away from Spangdahlem and France about the same depending on where you went. No matter where you go the German people are wunderbar.
My son will graduate tech school in May and his first base is Aviano. He should be there by August this year. Venice is just 45 min away.
1) Spangdahlem AB, Germany, was my favorite base 93-96 with Ramstein being a close second (2000-2005). Spangdahlem is so close to Belgium, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and France. You get so much travel opportunities being within an hour from the multiple borders.
Was stationed at Yokota for 3 years and Aviano as a kid
I was at Aviano for my first assignment in Nov '86 through Nov '89. It was smaller then, than it is now. We had aircraft come in from the 401st FW in Torrejon, Spain, but did not have permanent aircraft back then. Other than NATO TAC evals, I loved everything about it. I made great friends that I still talk to 35 years later. I would love to go back and do so many more things that I never even thought to do then, and we stayed busy even at that. It's the assignment of a lifetime. Don't waste it.
I’m actually at Alconbury UK and it’s INCREDIBLY small, and I love it. I wouldn’t say it’s actually that rainy or overcast, and it’s only an hour away. It’s an amazing base. Stress free
I was stationed at Torrejon Air Base just outside of Madrid,Spain. I enjoyed the location very much. Plenty to see and very friendly locals.
I have to agree on Torrejon for the Air Force. For the Division of the Boat People (U.S.Navy) it's the Spanish south west costal resort town of Rota, Spain north of Cadiz. NAS Rota is on the beach adjacent to the town of Rota and has its docks and its own 10,000 foot runway.
@@77space-vt8wi I went to Rota a couple of times while at Torrejon. It was definitely a very nice base.
Torrejon was nice. Spain was very nice in general. I was at Zaragoza AB for 4 years. One of the two best assignments I had (the other was McClellan).
I've been to all five of those bases and I would agree with the order you provided. However, Let me learn you about Camp Darby in Livorno Italy. Best location ever. Five minutes from Pisa, and in the heart of Tuscany Italy.
Good choices, I’ve been to all but Japan. Air Force rocks when it comes to good overseas assignments to be stationed at!
My dad was stationed at Mildenhall from ‘14-‘17 and we lived off base and I went to a British school. My family loved it, great experience, Lakenheath being right there is super convenient and it has nice culture. It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life and sure it rains a lot but you get used to it pretty quick.
Yakota, my son’s been there 3 years and loves it, extended his tour. Has even been learning Japanese❗️
Yokota... lived there as a child...
I had the good fortune of being stationed twice at RAF Lankenheath. You were spot on about the difference between RAF Mildenhall. OPS tempo was crazy both in the seventies and the early nineties. My AFAC was 427X4 metals tech. Thanks and I’ve been enjoying the videos from you both.
I was at Aviano. It was fantastic.
what job did you have?
@@foofighters938 Security Police...crappy job lol
I was able to spend a few weeks in Korea working at the US Embassy. The area was great and enjoyed my brief stay there.
Going to MEPS tomorrow for the Air Force! Thank you for the content that you guys have put out there! It has helped me every step of the way!
Good luck tomorrow! Don't stress it, just do what you're told and pay attention to detail. It's hard to mess up, in my experience everyone was really nice, hopefully same for you
Good luck
Thank you guys! I’m excited for the whole process!
Your only 43 yrs behind me in going :)
Update: made it in and waiting for ship date! Very excited!
I was stationed at Hickam from 1969 to 1972. Even though Hawaii is the 50th state the USAF considered it as an overseas base. Lots of history there from buildings on base having bullet holes from 12/7/41. I visited Pearl Harbor several times including the Arizona Memorial. I got to see part of the movie Tora Tora Tora being filmed. I visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation up by Wheeler AFB. There is the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Sea Life Park. I visited the Bishop Museum.
Hawaii is on my wish list for getting stationed anywhere with warm weather
Stationed at Spangdahlem for 3 years and loved it and your right it's all farmland around but the closest city is Bitburg where there is a ton of things to do.
There's Wittlich and Trier. They are sorta kinda near Spangdahlem. I grew up on that base and miss Spangdahlem now everyday. It was my favorite base a I grew up. It was wonderful living there as a kid. Worst base I lived in was easily Alexandria AFB in Alexandria Louisiana. The base was OK but the civilians in the surrounding area were terrible people. I was not sad when they closed that base. I couldn't wait to leave. Anyhoo, yeah, Spangdahlem is definitely out in country. It's so beautiful there.
Those of us who did tours in Alaska and Iceland would certainly have those on our list. Alaska at the top, Iceland midway. Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage and Eilson AFB in Fairbanks are the largest Air Force Bases in Alaska. Alaska is one of those "best kept secrets" locations because people (including myself) constantly tried to extend our tours up there. That's how good it was. If you like outdoors activities to include but certainly not limited to: hunting, fishing fresh water, fishing deep sea, hiking, skiing, four wheeling, nature trails, mountain climbing, etc., etc., etc., consider destination Alaska as a premium tour. Also, in Alaska, with the huge cost of living off base, there are great net plus opportunities for part time employment or full-time civilian employment for spouses. Just for example, waaaaaaay back in the 80's, when minimum wage was barely $3.00 an hour, I worked part time in the BX for $14.10 an hour. That kind of differential makes a lot of difference in your standard of living.
Iceland. Base is closed to permanent party now. They only use TDY personnel on a rotating basis. Back when it was open it was a fantastic "hidden jewel" within Air Force assignments. Mainly because of the location. From Iceland you can get to basically any part of Europe by air in less than two hours. I knew people who left after a year with over 20 stamps on their passports because every other weekend they'd take off somewhere.
When in Aviano, the best way to travel is by train.
Came across this as my son was looking at the military. I travel for work, and my company has a lot of military/DoD contracts, so I do end up on a lot of these bases. The guys at Osan often say that it is very easy to get in to a lot of trouble there, and it is quite regular that the base has strict curfews. But South Korea is a very cool place overall, so the chance to be there would be great. I have visited Yokota several times, and my company puts us up at the Kanto Lodge on base. Really good views of Fuji, especially in the morning, before the haze sets in, so you know you are not too far away. Not exactly certain what other bases are like, but Yokota does seem to have great amenities. Aviano is a great location, right in northeastern Italy. You are between Venice and the Alps, and both are easy day trips. Plus Austria, Switzerland, and Germany are close as well. If you like skiing and snowboarding, some of the best and most famous resorts in the world are just a few hours away. On top of that, weekend getaways to Rome (as you mentioned), Munich, Vienna, Milan, and Salzburg are all easily doable. Oh, and don't forget Italian food...
I was stationed at Lajas Field,AZORES,off of Portugal coast for 15 months.Beautiful island/great people/super coworkers..Awesome Experience in 83-84
Never made it there but heard from fellow servicemembers that its pretty nice.
@@BPD1586Im thinking of going back one day soon,to see just how much of it really changed over the years..Great Memories
I grew up living in Spangdahlem Afb from 1983 to 1990. I t was different base back then. Bitburg (which is no longer around) was the better base. From what I hear Spangdahlem has had a ton of my improvements . I really miss that base and would love to return.
Korea has dope internet. Osan is awesome because while you may be unaccompanied, you can have a car and live off base as an E4. Taxi cabs are super cheap and you are close to Seoul. I could semi handle Osan and an unaccompanied tour.
Just got Kunsan for my first assignment, doing my research now
Stationed there on two 6 mo. TDY tours in 93’/94’ and at the end of 95’ for the Bosnian conflict VMFA(aw)533 Marines F/A18D squadron.
Lived in a tent city next to the airstrip and golf course. Absolutely a great gig. The Air Force folks treated us very well and it was just an all around cool experience other than being an unaccompanied tour.
I've been to 3 of the 5 bases you mentioned and was also at Ramstein. Yes all super top notch places to be.
😂 i guess you can say Aviano is the warmest during summer, but actually winters in the UK are very mild, never really gets below freezing(not that it doesn’t, but very few days) I’ve been to Aviano in winter and it’s pretty cold, you know being at the base of the Alps and all 😂.
#1 Yokota, #2 Kadena. Nobody can convince me otherwise. Hands down best six years of my life so far.
How long were you in Japan and did families live there too (spouses)?
I was an KC-135 & KC-10 Boom Operator during my career and flew to everyone of these bases mentioned. To me the best bases all depends on the best chance for Space-A travel. Osan and Kunsan did have 4- year assignments where you could bring your family over.
Germany was amazing for me. I was stationed twice at Ramstein, from 1986-88, and then 1997-99. I loved it. In 1999, there were plans in place to essentially make Ramstein the "Gateway to Europe" base that Rhein-Main AB had been before they started to close Rhein-Main down. I've often wondered how much Ramstein has changed since then. Oddly enough, the best Mexican restaurant I'd ever eaten at was not too far from Ramstein. If I recall correctly, it was named Casa de Rosita.
Oh, and I lived off-base in the nearby town of Spesbach during my second tour. I had the second floor of a three story house to myself... just down the street from a church. It was a nice, quiet town, and my landlords were wonderful people.
No way, they closed down Rhein-main? That breaks my heart. My family used to love to drive there from Spagdahlem to shop. They had a way better BX than we did on Spagdahlem. I also hate that they closed down Bitburg. I went to high school on that base (Spangdahlem at the time had no high school so we had to ride a bus to Bitburg every morning. )I have many great memories of Bitburg and Rhein Main AFB
I have a distinct love for Aviano since I grew up there as a teenager and visited a couple times to fill up with jet fuel. RAF Mildenhall also was one of my favorite places since I spent months there TDY supporting the SR71. Great location, people were awesome and you could easily bus to Norwich, Cambridge and London. The weather was okay, but it was really the locals that made the difference. Not many places where you can see a crowd of tail watchers on the outskirts of the airfield. Liked Spanghalem because of its central location for exploring. Never visited Osan and only stoped in Yokota 2-3 times. Spent nearly months in Okinawa TDY. I enjoyed it because I spoke Japanese so I would take my aircrew members downtown for real Japanese food. Not a big thing as not a lot of military were wandering outside the base gates, but at least they got an exposure to Japanese culture.
aviano is the PLACE!! I did 2 tours loved it was close to venice, austria, eastern europe, switzerland etc.
I served at RAF Mildenhall USAF 64 to 66 loved it and I was born in Rome Italy.
I was in the USAF from 1969 - 1989 and my first 3 overseas assignments were to Thailand from 1970-76. Pretty darn good assignments for a young unmarried (at the time) airman. However my absolute favorite as to Hickam AFB, HI (is it still considered overseas?). Why you may ask? Well, that's easy - it's Hawaii. I spent 5 of the best years of my career there.
My dad was stationed in Sasebo, japan. All Navy dependents went to Itazuke AFB for our medical stuff. At the time, there was a funny song of the time called, Itazuke Tower.
Yokota AB, currently here. Base itself is not bad, but yes, there’s just so many things to do around here. And I love the metro 💯
What job do you have within the airforce if you don't mind me asking.
what job do you have? i want to be stationed in japan but i dont know what job i need to get there
Leave for Lakenheath next week, can't wait to get there and see the country and as much of Europe as possible.
Rota Naval Station, Spain. I’m Airforce and I’m here
Haven’t been to Ramstein, but spent 20 days at Spangdahlem and you are spot on, I’d definitely prefer to be there if you want Germany all day long due to the more rural setting and slower tempo
Currently at Spang, it’s a nice slow tempo base
Spang is coveted by many maintainers.
I miss Spagdahlem. I grew up there back in the 80's. It was my favorite base growing up. I would love to see how it's changed from when I was a kid. You're right about it having a slow tempo. I kinda envy you. Enjoy Spangdahlem while you're there. It's a great base.
Theres actually more than 2 bases in Korea that AF can go to: Osan, Kunsan, Daegu (hidden gem), Camp Humphreys, Gwangju Air Base, etc. 😀 Also Camp Darby in Italy is warmer than Aviano and available to AF.
Also Suwon
Mildenhall 84-92. Best assignment I had.
I am Spanish soon to join the Air Force, I was thinking of Morón in Spain
In 1957 & 1958 I was stationed at Tachikawa AFB. Japan.
Kyle - Andersen AFB in Guam is the warmest, even warmer than Kadena. 69F is the lowest recorded temperature there. Aviano may be warm during spring/summer, but I've spent many icy/snow days in Aviano.
My personal preference (USAF only) after spending several months in over 100 US military bases would be:
1. Ramstein
2. Yokota
3. Lakenheath
4. Aviano
5. Osan
We lived in RAF lakenheath from 2010 - 2013 my mom worked in mildenhall so it was about a 15 min drive but it’s a straight shot for the most part, really nice base! Went to the middle school there!
back in the 80's when I was in the war spangdalem was as remote and desolate as you could get kinda like hofn in iceland and kunsan in korea.
i’m stationed in Aviano for my first base i like it
That was my first base I left there last year I really miss it.
@Dre717 what job did you have there?
@@Jmachado20-qo4vy Radio
Im going there in december
@@Jmachado20-qo4vy rf systems technician
I've been to Ramstien twice but I'm in the Marine Corps, and it's an awesome base. I worked and talked to a lot of their load masters there and they loved it.
I do like Asia, but I have a sweet spot for Germany and the world war history of Europe so I much rather be stationed on that side of the world.
I was stationed at Wiesbaden AB Germany(now closed). Man it was great. Would go to Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Brussels, Venice, Berlin and Luxemburg on any given weekend.
My second would be Aviano and then the two bases in England. I love the history(war and Monarch) as I do the war history of Germany. Got to visit Dachau(one of the terrible concentration camps.
Actual names of the first three bases: Osan AB, and RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath ; I've been TDY to all three.
Currently at Osan AB if anyone has any questions!
I hear Aviano is a nightmare. The Italians rip you off. The housing is a pain and its expensive. If you are maintenance, have fun...
It’s not bad, Italians can be rude. The travel and pay makes it worth it
I was there for two years it’s not bad, I can actually say I miss it there. Italians are usually really nice, and I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been ripped off there.
@@patrickmac9403 right lol, I didnt know people were getting ripped off here, never heard of that
Im from Europe ,Croatia. 3hours drive away from Aviano . My husband was stationed there and Im gonna say Germany is definitely better location to be stationed in Europe because its closer to many other better european parts , because Aviano is in the part of Italy which isnt the nicest zthe beaches are dirty,water is gross....unless you travel down to Sicily,you wont see nice water around Aviano. Yes ,housing is expensive,but the Mountains and the small city is nice.
Currently in Aviano and can say it’s not nearly as good as people make it out to be. It’s insanely expensive, the mission isn’t the greatest, and the SOFA agreement makes it extremely difficult to be a family and staying afloat.
I did a year at Kunsan. Was married. It sucked... but, mission 1st. The experience is key.
Respect !
im korean and even koreans dont rlly go to kunsan. that city is dead
@@toktok9999 generally a lot of military base are near to dead city…
@@LksYoda osan isnt really a dead city tho. its in pyengtaek which isnt too bad
Anyone looking to go to Japan, I would NOT recommend Kadena especially as your first base. The tempo is insane for most jobs which “breaks” a lot of people of all ranks mentally especially FTA’s and all they want is to PCS or separate. Traveling is super hard right now due to covid so families can’t visit and restrictions are higher than anywhere in the world. Yokota is definitely the base to be at
Kadena was great when I was there
Kadena is my first base, it's not so bad if you take the time to make friends with people and go out to explore the island or even go to mainland on a vacation.
@@nicolestafford9418 well they took all the "fun" off of BC street and curfews now for u guy's in 81 was GREAT PLACE
My son loves Yakota after3 years❗️
Kadena hands down a great base. It was my #2 base. Aug 95-Aug 97. I wouldn't tell anyone not to go there. Things change along with time and that's everywhere. The majority of my friends I met there. I've been retired about 21 years. And I plan on going back for a visit hopefully next year. While stationed at Kunsan in 99-00 I flew back to Oki for vacation twice. Being stationed there was the best assignment and time of my life.
Technically, Incirlik AB is considered part of USAFE as well. Maybe not directly connected to Europe proper, but nevertheless. Was stationed there '94-'96. Then I PCS'd to Yokota AB.
As a Marine Officer who spent 6 years on Air Force bases, I would change a few. OSAN would not be in my top 5. I was there for 3 years. The Greek islands of Limnos, Skyros and a base near Athens would all be in my top 5. I do like Aviano in the top 5.
Hi man ,can you please talk about tech shool careers in jet aircraft field ,like Armament and crewchief and especially the Egress and SMS system .
And good content ,keep it up
Good thing I'm going to Aviano!
It’s a great base, I don’t realize it until I left and came back to the states. I miss it
Camp john hay Phillipines the best Baguio ,I was there 2 years hardiest golf course in the world 😊
I am currently stationed at Osan AB, and would say it depends I think the majority of people are unaccompanied but there are also accompanied people here.
Is it possible to station in the UK or Germany if I choose aviation resource management or personnel?
Thank you!
Definitely Yokota 💯 (my base😎)
Im in Misawa now... At this time I can never go to Yakota
Oh, one more thing,,, i was stationed at The Funky Cold Kadena from 1994-1998.
Imo Ramstein is better. France, Amsterdam, and Belgium are pretty close around. The night life in K-Town is pretty good. I live on ROB. Plus Ramstein Bx is like a mall and they have 2 Big Gyms that are like LA fitness
Another flawless top 5 video. You're doing an excellent job in every video
No JBER? I know you came here on tdy so you know how amazing it is..
Can you make a list of like the top 10 top 15 top 20 top 5 warmest bases? Like nice weather. As always, Thanks Sir!
The top overseas assignments went away 30 years ago, unfortunately.
Completely agree. Secret gem not far from Clark. Camp John Hay and Subic Bay. Learned to dive at Subic. '74-'75.
Shipping out may 31st fire protection apprentice 😁
I'm shipping may 31st too! Security forces
Im am in fire protection been in going on 4 years if you have any questions I’ll try to answer for you.
Can you do a video on best officer jobs? Thanks man
Boooooo OSAN. WOLFPACK BABY! Kunsan FTW!
Was station at Osan, should have stayed longer.
USAFE is not called Air Force Base.....it's just Air Base. Rhein-Main AB was the best in USAFE when it existed
Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base Germany! It was like a three-year controlled vacation. Once a month, we went TDY to another European country for a week or so. Got paid to see Europe, can’t complain :-)
About to leave in a few months for Osan
Was waiting on thisss
Torrejon Air Base, Spain !!!!! Sadly,...it is no longer used by the USAF. Was there from 1980 - 84.
At Rota now love Spain!
@@CarlJohnson5342 Awesome! Enjoy your time there. Been to Rota acouple of times to meet up with my Navy contacts thru work. Miss Spain but I do get back there thru the years to visit my wife's family.
Got out in 72’. Wonder if I can get back in! Haha
Aviano is not warm all year round lol it gets cold and you still have to wear a jacket,there are mountains and possibility to snow. So nope its not as warm as you think
Of all the bases in Europe that aren’t short tours it’s the warmest though. Haha.
@@AirmanVision thats true ,but definitely only warm in the summer
Clark Air Force base would have been in the top 5 if it was open. Just like Subic bay for the US navy.
Going to Okinawa next weeks
Im not a fan. Too humid and you can see the majority of the island in 2 or 3 weeks.
Great place, I was born there in Kadena in 1984. A lot has change since then, but the Okinawa people are great. Just don't assume their Japanese, their not and are proud Okinawa's.
@@jrstar1439 my personal opinion is its run down. I guess I prefer mainland Japan. I don't like the feeling of island fever. Dont get me wrong, parts of the island is beautiful, but the food in my opinion is subpar. The sushi wasnt as good, ramen lacked, and I couldnt find a decent Yakisoba spot. Everything else was good, like Indian and Turkish foods.
@@BlurredUniverse357 your right on! Being a kid there and going back as an adult a couple of times, changes your perspective of the island. If I was serving, much rather be station in the mainland of Japan.
Man, I loved Okinawa. Was there for 2 years. I will go back one day, the place is absolutely beautiful, and Kyoto ramen and some cocos make you wanna take a nice nap after, it’s so good.
Pápa, Hungary is the best 😁 US Air Force, along with many other nations, work at Pápa airbase.
It’s possible for a MAVNI program to be based in Overseas bases ?
04/30/24 Hawaii, Italy, Spain, Germany,
Hi, I have a question I’m currently a UA-camr (I have a successful channel), I want to join to go to school for cs and for the benefit but I’m passionate about you I don’t want to stop it’s what I love if want to do it forever it’s a men fashion and grooming channel. Will they allow to do it? Is it a good idea to join?
I was stationed at Yokota AB Japan in the the 70s as a E-1 to E-3 unless you are very rich I disagree with you . Also most Japanese hated our guts.
Rota ( Spain)
i was at Kunsan AB, and the food out there was worth it!!! i miss their fried chicken! gotta disagree about Aviano...the work tempo here ain't it
I was stationed at 3/5 bases you mentioned. Osan, Mildenhall, and Yokota in that order.
@@ballooneyjr4294 2T1/603
My so is currently in Aviano...he said 3 guys are from Osan... their takes... "you're liver dies in Osan" also... "When in Osan...get your drink on" 🤣🤣🤣
I’m in aviano don’t come here unless you like to work lool
Going to misawa japan, if anybody could give me any insight
Gets the most snow from any place on earth. But it’s not actually cold cold, just snowy, so definitely learn to snowboard/ski.
I was stationed at Misawa from 79-81. It was my second assignment after Greenham/Welford, England. Misawa was a very close-knit base and we had all four service branches there, then. Off-base restaurants had some great food. Had a great time there.
Soesterberg Airforce Base in the Netherlands was the best place to be .....
Spent 18 months there 77-78. It was just ok.
That Italy base is no where near Rome
My flight chief was stationed at Osan AB as his first duty station. While there, he unknowingly ate a snack made from dog meat. 😬
When I was at Kwang-ju, the ROK Army Engineering Battalion threw a party for us and the main entrée was kagogi. Good stuff.
Clark Air Base Philippines 🇵🇭. Torajon Air Base Spain 🇪🇸
Helenakon Air Base Greece 🇬🇷