Can family members ride the Patriot Express from the U.S. to come and visit a service member?
They can ride Space A, but there will be no customs here at Misawa on Mondays. Non- SOFA status members will have to give 35th Customs their passport, remain on base overnight, and report to the Passenger terminal on Tuesdays for GoJ Immigrations processing.
Can local nationals use the Patriot Express?
No because it's contracted for duty passengers and Space A if available.
Can the Patriot Express be diverted for operational reasons like Space A can?
No. It's a contracted flight and any decision to change the contract for operational reasons has to come through the State Department.
Can you take pets on PE?
There are spots available for Misawa for pets in the cargo area that is temperature controlled and allotted spots in the main cabin. But these are only open for people who are PCSing and are there on a first come, first served basis.
Pet restrictions: The kennel must be approved by the International Air Transport Association. Soft sided and collapsible kennels are not allowed for pets to travel in the belly compartment of the aircraft. Small pets traveling in the main cabin can be transported in soft sided (constructed of leak proof and water-repellent padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides) as well as hard plastic kennels. In cabin, kennels must not exceed 20"Lx16"Wx8"H. All pets must be able to lie down, stand up, and turn around in the kennel using normal posture and body movements. Pets will not be accepted for travel in kennels that are too small.
Do you have to be on leave to use the Patriot Express?
You have to be on leave or pass status to take Space A. Keep in mind that if you plan on traveling to Seattle, you will be charged a federal head tax and inspection fee of $29.10. Flights to and from Osan are no charge.
How can service members use the Patriot Express?
For official travel and Space A. Space A will be organized by priority.
How many aircraft are in the route?
A Boeing 767 has been approved through United States Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command to come once a week.
If the aircraft is delayed, will it be delayed for the whole week?
No. There will be spare parts for minor repairs, and if the aircraft is held for some reason, the contract carrier will send another aircraft to pick up the mission.
What benefit will service members receive from having the Patriot Express stop here?
Instead of having to travel down to Tokyo to PCS and deploy, people can leave right from Misawa. People will also be able to ship their pet when PCSing. Space Available may also be used. Misawa has a certain number of allocated seats on the aircraft, and with this service now available, it will streamline everyone's travel plans whether on vacation or as a duty passenger. Plus, the Patriot Express will save the Air Force and service members money in travel expenses.
What is the Patriot Express used for, will people be riding it for deployments or is it for recreation?
The primary purpose of the Patriot Express is to be used by people who are in a duty travel status (PCS, TDY, or deploying). Any unused seats can be filled by people traveling Space A.
Where can we see the posted schedules?
PE mission information has been posted on Base Television Channel 18 or by visiting the AMC terminal.
Who receives priority on the Patriot Express?
Those traveling on official duty receive priority. For those who are traveling Space A, they are selected by category and date/time of sign up.
Categories:
1 - Unfunded emergency leave,
2 - Active duty and DOD civilians on EML leave orders,
3 - Active duty on normal leave,
4 - Dependents on EML leave,
5 - Command sponsorship letter leave, and permissive TDY,
6 - Retirees
Will the Patriot Express be used for operational missions?
No. United States Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command have contracted a commercial carrier to use the PE to do exactly what it is spelled out to do, which is travel the route from Seattle to Japan and Korea, roundtrip.
Will the route change over time?
Starting April 2010, the route has changed to Seattle - Misawa - Osan, and back through the next day.
|
