MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Patriot Express made its debut this month as the station’s primary means of transporting servicemembers and their families on Permanent Change of Station orders.
The Patriot Express is the U.S. military’s only chartered commercial air service in the Pacific region that stops here between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Yokota Air Base and Kadena Air Base.
“Although the Patriot Express has made life a lot easier for servicemembers and their families to travel, it has presented some challenges for families travelling with pets,” said Gunnery Sgt. James A. Berry, Passenger Transportation Staff Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge.
The Patriot Express provides 10 in cargo pet spaces and three in cabin pet spaces each flight.
“These pet spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and servicemembers from Yokota, Okinawa and Iwakuni are able to fill these spaces,” said Berry. “As of right now all pet spaces have been booked from now until August.
According to the Joint Federal Travel Regulation, government funds are not to be spent to provide pet transportation."
In other words, there’s no entitlement for pet travel and if servicemembers cannot obtain a pet space on the Patriot Express, they must find an alternative way of transporting their pet.
Questions related to pets and the Patriot Express can be directed to the Traffic Management Office by calling 253-4058.