Kadena Air Base - Base Exchange walk-through
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Today I'm doing a Kadena Air Force Base Exchange, also known as a BX, exchange, or base BX. Each branch has similar things on their bases and the Army refers to theirs as a PX or Post Exchange along with the Marines. The Navy calls theirs a NEX or A Navy Exchange. They have several different names in the military but they all mean the same thing. I finally did a walk-through of the Base exchange here on Kadena which is one of the largest BX stores in the Air Force. A lot of people are curious how we buy stuff over here in Okinawa, Japan. Well this is how! A BX is pretty much just like a Walmart mixed with a Kohls. Thanks for watching my video of my Base Exchange tour on Kadena Air Force Base!
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Airman Vision is run by Kyle Gott. Kyle is an Air Force Veteran who served 6 years and honorably separated as an E-5 Staff Sergeant. He started making videos on this channel to document his journey joining the United States Air Force back in 2013 and continues to help set future Airmen up for success.
The videos on this channel represent the individual opinions of those speaking and do not reflect thoughts of the Air Force, DOD, or US Government.
lmfao "do you wanna spend 32 grand on a car" "NO, I spent 1200 dollars on a car that will last me for 3 years", I applaud you smart man
I lived there for 4 years and watching this made me so nostalgic because I’d go to the BX almost everyday
are the shopping malls allowed for military personel and their families only ? i talk especially for the local japanese living around the base
@@TheAbderaman Shopping on base is only for military personnel and their dependents
@@r.brandt2246 ah ok so the US air bases shopping facilities are enclosed to foreigners except for those who work here , in morocco there was nouasseur air base full of memories it become the main airport in 1963
God I miss it there..my family was stationed at kadena when I was seven and I grew up there. It has changed so much! I remember being a Girl Scout and selling cookies right in front of that food court! And then (I was homeschooled) so our friends and us would always go to the food court and eat lunch on fridays after homeschool group. I miss it there sooo much. I want to raise my children military bc I loved it. I remember just going on errand with my mom in that bx and getting lost in the toys!! God I have so many great memories from little me when I was there.
If y’all get stationed at kadena you’ll love it.
And your kids will too
I grew up there too. I have fond memories. Nothing like Okinawa.
I grew up in a town by an air force base. Went to elementary school and boy scouts with air force famlies. My scout leader was an air force captian and pilot at the local base. I always heard about the local air force base exchange but never been inside one. Been on base many time but the first time i saw the inside of one. Thanks for the video. I grew up around air force famlies so the air force always had a place in my heart.
Hey, Kyle! I graduated Air Force BMT 2 weeks ago and I'm at my tech school now and when we were going through what is called "airmans week" we were watching videos during,class time and they actually used one of your vlogs in the class as an example in class and a lot of my guys were like "hey it's Kyle gott!" some of us were freaking out because we watched that video and a lot of your other videos before we left for BMT! can't wait to get operational my afsc is 3e331 so I have about another 4 months until then any advice for tech school would be much appreciated, thank you for doing what you do for us nuggets! Aim High!
You keep saying this video is boring but I'm so engaged 😂😂😂
You keep calling the video boring and the store basic but its comforting to know what you DONT have to worry about. Thanks.
I was at Kadena from mid 69 till mid 71 with the 15th TRS. Fresh out fo Tech School at Sheppard AFB, my two week take home pay was $52. That didn't go very far. But with FTD School and working in Phase Dock the rest of the day, I really didn't feel like doing much else. The 15th TRS had 22 RF-4Cs and after FTD and Phase Dock I switched to the flight line and was able to start going on TDYs. With a couple more stripes,( back then 3 stripes was a Buck Sargent) and more TIS, and TDY pay, I finally had reason to visit the BX. I remember it being well stocked and priced right, Nothing like today but Kadena being an Accompanied Base it wasn't that bad. I bought a used Honda 305 Scrambler as soon as I could and tried to see as much of Okinawa as possible. Due to a personnel problem I got to extend an extra 5 months which allowed me to complete my Sansui and Sony stereo system, Nikon camera equipment,(bought at the Kadena BX),
lots of tailor made clothes, 5 pairs of custom made boots and shoes (while on TDY to Korea) I went to the World's Fair in Japan in the spring of 1970 and turned 21 while on TDY to the Philippines in 1971. ( WOW! What a party that was ). On top of all that in November of 1970 PACAF had a shortage of 43171Cs for F4 crew chiefs in Viet Nam, so all 7 levels and above coming from the states went to Fighter Squadrons there. This left everywhere else in PACAF short on crew chiefs when one rotated back to the states. So sense we were not in the combat zone, they allowed myself and four other experienced 5 levels that were recommended by the Maintenance Chiefs, the FTD School Commander and approved by everyone all the way up to PACAF to be assigned a RF-4C Phantom II Reconnaissance Aircraft, as the Crew Chief. Mine was ZZ 68-0551. Man We sure thought we were too cool for school. What it meant was more work, more responsibility, and no more pay. As far as I know that was a one time deal. We all got commendations and a write up in the paper......Then they sent me to Webb AFB in Big Spring Stinking Texas. I'm from Georgia and the last place I wanted to go was TEXAS ! Now I can't tell you anything about Kadena today These videos make it look just like home but it's not Your on the other side of the planet, and depending on your job, if you or someone else make a mistake you and or them could die. Just remember, no matter what that recruiter says, once you sign that paper, the USAF gets whatever it wants NO MATTER WHAT.! !
I lived on Kadena for 4 years back when I was a military brat! XD Any video I see of Kadena brings back so many memories! I believe I left the year the BX was going to be expanded.
I was there 2002-2005. This building is new and much nicer than the old building. But yes, Okinawa brings back memories for me too
Hey Kyle and Makenna, I just wanted to thank you guys. I've been learning so much by watching your videos. I am in the process to join the Air Force. I am from Orlando, FL. I already took the ASVAB, OPI, I am almost there. You guys have been doing a great job here, you are funny, informative, and most important you are real people living a real life. I am a big fan of you guys. Kyle keep up with this fantastic job you're doing. At the beginning I wasn't sure about joining the military, but you helped me to better understand how it is life in the military, the opportunities available, and the daily challenges that I'll go through by joining the Air Force. I am in college, I am trying to join as an E3 because of my college credits, but let's see what happen. Again, Kyle and Makenna you guys are awesome. Thank you very much for all you do here. Kyle, you helped to make the most important decision in my life, joining the military. Thank you guys.
sounds exactly like me. if I may ask, how has life been going since then?
What's really awesome is when the BX and commissary are connected - usually with vendor booths, barber shops, mini-arcades etc lined up along the corridor. Fun stuff!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was stationed at Kadena in the 80s and I was curious to see what life was like there now. You all have access to so much more than we did back then. We were totally deprived. Hope you enjoy your tour at the most beautiful AFB in the Pacific.
Well, the BX was way, way, bigger than I imagined
the supplement isle looked like heaven
i so enjoyed your video. i lived on kadena for almost 10 years. we left july 5 1981. i went to KUBASAKI high SCHOOL. Everything has changed sssssoooooo much!!
Wow! It is a whole lot bigger and nicer than it was way back in 1978-79. Funny seeing it this way! Thanks for sharing your videos. It allows us to see the world we used to live in back in 1978-79, when my husband was stationed there on Kadena!!! Journey On!
Being a Marine stationed on Oki in the north, going to Kadena was always a trip we all looked forward to.. With that said, the AF personal did not like us invading their base especially the clubs..
I lived in Okinawa from 98-01 when my Dad was stationed there... We lived on Kinser but shopped here on Kadena. My Dad finished his time at Camp Lejeune, I actually work at the MCX (Marine Corps Exchange) on Camp Lejeune now... Its cool to see how good this place looks now
It's like Kohl's, the mall, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby combined. It seems really nice to be able to buy everything in one store!
I was there way back in 1990 -1992. I thought it was very nice back then, but this is whole better world of super nice! Thank you for sharing this video and thank you for your service! Big thumbs up for this video and for Kadena!
Thumbs up for Finding Dory. 👍
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I went to visit in June/July, my brother in law is in the Air Force. Best experience of my life. This video brings back great memories
Really improved since 1976 when I was stationed there.. thanks for the tour.
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman who was with the 12th Marines at Camp Hansen in 1970 and use to go to Kadena Exchange quite frequently during my time there and all I can say about the change is WOW!!!
Kyle, I've been in the AF 21 years. Recently had hip surgery so been on con leave laying around. So decided to open up TH-cam and your videos were recommended. Got to say these are great and informative. Keep up the excellent work and good luck on your PCS!
Very interesting walk-thru, looks like a nice place to shop. I was in Okinawa from 1962-1964, graduated from Kubasaki American High School, don't know if its still in existence then enrolled in the U.S. Navy. Me and a good friend were the first to ever enlist in the Navy there and it was quite an experience, initially no one quite knew how to process everything, but eventually we had all the correct paperwork filled out. For some reason they couldn't swear us in there and had to fly us to Japan to Yokasuka Naval Base to be sworn in, then on to boot camp in San Diego....what an experience. Anyways enjoy your videos (recommended by Budget Bugout) and look forward to more. Regards.
if you’re still there, yes kubi is still here
OMG I'm feeling so much nostalgia watching this because I lived in Okinawa and I know like everything you're showing it's really making me want to go back
Whaaaa? I am Japanese and was born in Okinawa. My dad is American and Mom is Japanese. I’m a military brat. I visited in summer of 2016 and it’s so weird watching someone but me walk into a store I remember so much. I miss japan so much. I know live in Maine, and it’s nothing compared to Okinawa
OMG I WAS STANDING RIGHT WHERE YOU WERE STANDING!!!
I always stopped through the Kaden BX while I was flying through dropping off cargo. The BX is very large one of the largest I have seen and been too for sure. I would say the Kadena BX is larger than Yokota's.
Thank you for doing the walk through! I was wondering what it looked like, the BX on Kadena was a lot smaller 20 years ago and all that stuff was in different stores all over base.
Me and my family were stationed in Yokota AFB, Japan. I remember going to visit friends I. Okinawa. Ahhhh the memories😩😂
i miss this .... my saturdays started with a trip to the BX...used to break my diet and go go burger king first and then to the bx to see what new movies they had ...every saturday
Hey Kyle Ive watched your videos from the very start and you made my decision clear to join! You prepared me for BMT and helped me survive it lol, you gave me tons of information about the Air Force and I just wanted to say thanks! I also just PCSd to Kadena for Avionics Backshop lol and Im mad I haven't run into you yet! If I dont see you before you PCS then good luck in Vegas!
Watching your Okinawa videos makes me miss it so much. Sooo many awesome memories
Hi Im Ben prior service army vet. This vid was not at all boring. I enjoied the walk through and the total bx tour, thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to do this...!!!
by far the coolest overseas exchange i've ever seen... Thanks for sharing Kyle!
My marine son is going to be stationed at Hanson in a few days I'm going to show him this video to give him an idea about the area.
I lived on Torrii Station when I was with 1st Grp. I use to go to Kadena daily.. Your PX is so much better now than when I was there back in 1993.
I agree this new Kadena PX is better than the old one back in 1995. I was a Marine stationed at Camps Kinser and Foster. My unit had a beach day at Tori Station :-)
Kyle I really enjoy your videos. The Kadena exchange is larger than any I've ever seen in the AAFES system with the exception of Ramstein AB, GE. That is amazing.
Man how that has changed, I was at Kadena 66' to 68' (418th MMS) the BX was a small hole in the wall. I bought a rod and reel, Garcia combo which I still have...enjoyed the video, and thank you for your service..an ole ex E-4 Ammo...iyaayas 👍
I actually really enjoyed this. I love your helpful hints and key points about military life cause I'm a new military spouse and hearing things I don't know is really nice and helpful
The Marines call theirs a MCX, but great vid! Glad to see it finally. Thanks!
Wowwwww that not the BX we had back in 1992. Lol. Boy things sure have changed. Thank you for this.
I love this! I've been in Kadena Air Base back in 2014, competed during the Mike Petty Track and Field Meet. God, i miss this place!
Really a far cry from the BX that I knew on KAB during the Vietnam years. We would have given up body parts to have that sort of selection. The people at the auto place are the same, however; some things never change. Nice to see that they have a dive shop, we usually had to order from CONUS.
Same. When I was there it was no better than an overpriced thrift store.
it still looks the same. its so nice!
Cool video, I'm retired Air Force and love the videos. One of the things I kick myself in the but for is not buying one of those cars. If you purchase it there you can pick it up at port in the states when you pcs. Those cars are usually cheaper there than in the states. There used to be a BMW or Audi dealership on Hwy 58 going toward Camp Lester where the European cars there was way cheaper and you could pay for it there and pick it up in the states when you pcs also. That could save you a bundle when you pcs back home, just saying...
Much nicer than the old building that I used in the 2002-2005 timeframe
Wow! Your BX is nice. Ours has a pharmacy, optical center, barbershop, and GNC and that's it! There's only about 4 or 5 restaurants in the cafe too.
When I was in tech school, I had the smallest BX ever. But they managed to cramp everything in this video into that tiny little BX.
I once went to Edwards Air Force Base for a filed trip with my AFJROTC mates! It's really interesting! Hope to visit again!
I'm shocked at how big the BX is now. I was stationed at Kadena AB (PLSC and 18 TFW) from 1987 to 1991 and it was about a tenth of what you see here. We had to go to Camp Butler for furniture items and for local gifts we relied on the Officers Wives Club. Cheers.
Today I leaned people pronounce "clearance" like "Clarence" hahaha
I learned people pronounce equipment as "EquiTment" at 11:55
"What's our vector, Victor?"
Those black cases you showed, I had to buy like 10 of them to pack my crap back in 2006 when I got immediate orders for MSG School. I believe they are called Tuff boxes or something. The first time I went to Kadena, I got lost inside the PX. LOL. I was used to Camp Hansen PX and Camp Foster PX. Though I am told that Camp Hansen now has a proper PX and not a hole in a wall. LOL. Hopefully, your next duty station is another great one. I enjoyed my time in Okinawa.
my local navy exchange in Norfolk is almost that big.
I'm in Norfolk too :D
I have family in Portsmouth
Nathan Buenaventura Nice to see some local people on here! this exchange is really nice. Wish they had something like this when I was in the Army
Nathan Buenaventura yeah Norfolk’s is pretty big, I live near little creek
I live in Suffolk !
Thank you guys for doing this. I was stationed on White beach, we would have to drive to the BX anytime we needed to get groceries lol. I'm not complaining, but the drive was rather far.
Thank you, kinda wish you'd done it before I got to Kadena. But it's still cool you do this. Thanks for making my transition into the AF really easy with your videos.
It's like a Walmart with the kitchen appliances, working equipment, kids toys, and water stuff but a Target with the baby items, clothes for any age, food area and household furniture and decorations. Our Walmart here never has anything cause im from a small town so it was crazy actually seeing shelves stocked
God I miss this place. I went to High School here and this was the hang out spot 💀
I am impressed on the size of the exchange.
The moment you are watching a random video and realize you ran out of Protein shake powder. Well time for a 2am Walmart run.
Here from 2020 i hope you enjoyed your 2am walmart runs because i miss them☹️
@@Jaeeedon ME TOO REEEEEE
Some bases like Patrick AFB in Florida have smaller but similar stores. Interesting video.
literally laid out just like Target.
Sy R. more like a khols
Looks a lot different than I remember. Then again, I was last there in 1998...
I was there in'89 or '90 on a TDY. We had a typhoon come through....party. The beach there is sweet. I spent 4 years in Misawa. TDY to Clark AB too.
I was just there today and when i got back i saw this video. Man wish i could've met yall
I still have my BX Overseas exchange catalog from 1986,when I was stationed at Kadena.
''They got Ice cream, people like that'' - Kyle Gott 2016
Man that garden center used to be a book store, and they have a sports equipment store now!!!
Definitely bigger than I remember. lol. Was a corpsman stationed down at Camp Kinser from 92 - 94.
Wow, living lavish. Who knew I was over at Camp Hansen living in relative squalor.
I was there when they build that. I was a Marine stationed on Futenma. we called it the Bx for Big Px.
Changed a lot since 1957-59.
Just stumble on this video I use to come on PX with my friends here in California Alameda Navy base back in the 90s I enjoyed coming exploring untill they closed it. Anyway thanks for the video exploring the BX I enjoyed it kind a amaze the combination has food court like a Mall ur right it's kind a Walmart inside and it's big have a good one :)
15:19 so did y'all eventually get an iMac? 🖥♥
I was at Kadena from 83-87 when I was 9-13 years old. I remember when the BX and the Commissary weren't near each other. There was a mall that had all the stuff that was on the first floor, and Baskin Robbins was across the street. When Burger King opened it was a big deal then.
ya me too. remember the arcade on the other side in between the bx and commissary?? Spent my days there!
Scott Lapinski got real and this bx is the new one. The old one was much smaller.
I was stationed there when that place opened. I worked out in the 18 MUNS magazine area, with NMC Okinawa.
Whoa!! This PX is huge!!
You mean K-mart or Sears second hand. It is bigger than it was in 79-80. It was half the size ,but this is nice new look to it. The commissary was built in 79, but open a little later than expected, someone paint the stainless steel meat hooks for the carcasses of cow and pig.
Thank you!! It was a great help.
When I lived there, the garden center was the book store and right before I left they started to convert it into the garden center
Kyle looking at every salon: I think Makenna goes there... maybe
😂😂
This is a super nice BX
I was in Okinawa for almost 8 years moved last year, I don’t remember the bx looking like that it’s changed a little in 4 years🤯
Thank you for sharing my daughter grandson and my son in law are about to be moving there from
Okc
Sure is a whole lot different from the 70s Base exchange. Best to you and your family.
I was at Kadena 43 years ago, in Law Enforcement, our BX was just a little building could walk through it in about 5 minutes
I love that bx! I wish ours was that big! it's really small at Ellsworth, there's a lot of stores in town but it would be nice lol
So just a heads up military auto source is for people who just got to the base and you can pay off your car for when you return to the states and you get the year model car of that year you returned that you already paid off.
thank you for showing us this , its really helpful when i get there :)
I was in Okinawa for a little over a year in the early 70's, I never even saw a PX.
going there next month excited!!
Wow. My base’s BX is like three of the music stores 😭😂
I used to live there, nice memories as a kid
He keeps saying nothing is spectacular, however I was in OKI 89-92 and the PX is amazing. When I was there it was like an 1/20 th of what you showed and we did not have ice cream. We got ice cream like once every 2 month at the commissary and there was a two unit limit and it was frozen through. Same with Milk, milk was rare when I lived there. The mall looks great. Love Anthony's Pizza! I didn't see an arcade, is that gone?
Anthony's pizza? I had that on Guam at Anderson AFB. Last time I was in Kadena like 1995. Haircut momosons still cutting hair and patting your neck and back massage? Back in late 80s, we went to BC street
When I was there the garden center used to be a bookstore then again that was 6 years ago
This is also like a super targets