Page 12 - mch0618_Magazine

CLUB OPERATIONS

A Legacy Renewed:
The Rocker Enlisted Club

he Rocker Enlisted Club at Kadena AB, Japan — a new,
modern version of a former mainstay of the Okinawa
T installation for generations of servicemembers and their
families — opened its doors on May 4 after two years of
construction.
The club carries on the legacy of the previous facility, the
Rocker NCO Club, dating back to the original construction
in February 1957.
The new $50-million, 57,000-square-foot, cutting-edge
complex features an intricate design honoring enlisted heritage
while paying homage to the host nation of Japan through its
architectural and interior designs.
It was completely self-funded through nonappropriated
funds.
Although the previous club was demolished as part of
the construction process, there is an important link between

Hanabi’s, one of the Rocker Enlisted Club’s two res-
taurants, offers lunch and dinner items along with 16
craft beer taps. PHOTOS: JANA BYRN,18TH FORCE SUPPORT
SQUADRON, KADENA AB, JAPAN.

Kazoku Place offers family-style dining with a wide variety
of American cuisine. The restaurant serves breakfast and
lunch daily and switches over to a night-time dining
menu filled with comfort foods and classic favorites.

The Rocker NCO Club, 1957-2016

Beginning in 1957, the old Rocker NCO Club went through several
incarnations (at right) before it closed in the early morning hours of
New Year’s Day 2016 (below).

12 MILITARY CLUB & HOSPITALITY | JUNE 2018