USFJ celebrates years of partnership at Length-of-Service Awards Published Oct. 19, 2023 By Yasuo Osakabe 374th Airlift Wing public affairs YOKTOA AIR BASE, Japan -- Award winners and distinguished guests from U.S. Forces Japan and Japan Ministry of Defense gathered, Oct. 17, for the USFJ and Japan MoD Length-of-Service awards ceremony at Yutorogi Hall in Hamura City, Japan. Col. Burt Okamoto, Fifth Air Force chief of staff, gives a speech during the U.S. Forces Japan and Japan Ministry of Defense Length-of-Service Awards ceremony at Yutorogi Hall in Hamura City, Japan, Oct. 17, 2023. The event provided the opportunity for the USFJ and the Government of Japan to celebrate the service of local national employees who have contributed 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service to the continued alliance and cooperation between the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The event provided the opportunity for the USFJ and the Government of Japan to celebrate the service of local national employees who have contributed 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service to the continued alliance and cooperation between the U.S. and Japan. The Length of Service Awards were established to recognize all civilian employees for the service they have completed for a Department of Defense agency. They are recognized by the Air Force for every 10 years they have worked.