374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

Leaders from the 374th Mission Support Group and Japan Air Self-Defense Force pose for a photo during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023. A combat dining-in is a time-honored military tradition designed to strengthen unity among service members as they celebrate their collective accomplishments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

Airmen from the 374th Mission Support Group and Japan Air Self-Defense Force launch themselves into an inflatable obstacle course during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023. Once they completed the course, the Airmen proceeded to the grog bowl. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ladeania Jackson, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management NCO in charge, serves as the master of ceremonies during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023. As the master of ceremonies, Jackson educated attendees about the customs and traditions of the mess. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

Airman 1st Class Peter Iannuzzo, 374th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, laughs during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023. Iannuzzo was one of the many Airmen who participated in the combat dining-in and hopes to attend another one in the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th Mission Support Group (MSG) commander, presents an award for best dressed during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023. Vetter delivered the opening remarks for the event, expressing his gratitude to the Airmen of the 374th MSG. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

Airman Kayla Butler, 374th Force Support Squadron military postal clerk, stands atop a table during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023. Butler and attendees at the event donned various combinations of battle dress to engage in a water war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

374th MSG hosts combat dining-in

Published Sept. 19, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Airmen from the 374th Mission Support Group and Japan Air Self-Defense Force came together for an evening of camaraderie and competition during a combat dining-in at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2023.

A combat dining-in is a time-honored military tradition designed to strengthen unity among service members as they celebrate their collective accomplishments. This year's event was no exception as attendees donned various combinations of battle dress to engage in a water war.

The event began with opening remarks from Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th MSG commander, who expressed his gratitude to the Airmen of the 374th MSG.

“We're close to the end of the summer, and I just want to thank you for all the hard work you do on a day-to-day basis,” said Vetter. “We had some huge exercises, so I want us to take some time to have fun, enjoy each other's company, and have a little war.”

After opening remarks, attendees at the combat dining-in took a moment to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty as well as those who are currently serving on the front lines. They then enjoyed a meal provided by the staff of the 374th Force Support Squadron before commencing battle.

Airman 1st Class Peter Iannuzzo, 374th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, was one of the many Airmen who participated in the combat dining-in and hopes to attend another one in the future.

“I really enjoyed the combat dining-in,” said Iannuzzo. “It was a great way for members from different squadrons to come together, have some fun, and build new relationships. In regards to group functions, I feel like it was the best event I've been to.”

The 374th MSG is responsible for the command, control, and direction of support activities for the 374th Airlift Wing and 32 other tenant units. It oversees quality-of-life programs for 11,000 military and civilian personnel and manages over $4.3 billion in assets.