Quadplexes in the Sebille Manor housing area on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, are pictured on Dec. 19, 2024. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — The 18th Wing will inspect more than 100 homes on base after spalling concrete was discovered in several unrenovated buildings.
The wing identified spalling in 32 quadplexes — 128 homes in total — at Sebille Manor near Bob Hope Elementary School, according to a statement posted Thursday on Kadena’s official Facebook page.
Spalling refers to cracking and delaminating steel-reinforced concrete. It is caused by pressure under the surface of the concrete, and most often occurs due to improperly constructed joints or corrosion of rebar under the concrete, according to the U.S. General Services Administration.
The buildings affected are 5437-5441, 5500- 5507, 5510-5515, 5517, 5520, 5540-5541, 5543, 5545, 5547 and 5549-5554, according to the wing’s post. It is unclear how many families are affected.
“No injuries have been reported and the 18th Civil Engineer Group is conducting deliberate inspections of the impacted homes,” the post states.
The issue is unrelated to mold caused by leaky air conditioners in 50 recently renovated duplexes in Sebille Manor. A wing memo issued earlier this month recommended that some families move by Feb. 28 to address potential health risks.
Thursday’s Facebook post does not state whether families living in the homes with spalling concrete will need to evacuate.
Residents should contact Kadena’s housing office at 634-4663 or fill out a housing maintenance request on Kadena’s website if they notice cracking or sagging ceilings, the post states. Damage photos can be emailed to 718ces.servicecall@us.af.mil.
The wing acknowledged questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Thursday afternoon but did not immediately provide responses.
