Sebille Manor, family duplexes at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, is pictured on Dec. 13, 2023. (Patrick Ciccarone/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — Recently renovated homes at 18th Wing headquarters are being inspected for mold after civil engineers discovered moisture buildup caused by faulty air conditioning systems.
The issue affects homes in Sebille Manor, family duplexes near Bob Hope Elementary School, according to a recent post on the wing’s official Facebook page.
“This has led to an increased risk for the development of mold within the homes, but [there is] no known evidence of any black mold at this time,” the wing wrote.
The 718th Civil Engineer Squadron will schedule inspections with affected residents, the post states.
On March 27, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed renovations on 50 duplexes — 100 housing units — at Sebille Manor for junior enlisted airmen. Move-ins began in July and 27 homes are occupied, said wing spokesman 1st Lt. Robert Dabbs.
“Residents in the impacted housing area have reported anecdotal issues to Kadena Civil Engineers, but walkthroughs within the last week revealed more comprehensive concerns,” he told Stars and Stripes in an email Thursday. “As a result, Kadena’s civil engineers are conducting in-depth visual inspections and air sampling of potentially impacted facilities.”
Those who believe they are experiencing this issue and have not been contacted should call the Okinawa Military Family Housing Maintenance Office at DSN 315-634-0582, Dabbs wrote.
“Once the extent of the flaw related to the air-conditioning systems is assessed, Kadena’s Civil Engineers will evaluate options to correct the issue,” he said.
No black mold has been discovered in the homes so far “based on visual inspections by our trained professionals,” Dabbs said. However, residents who wish to move or have “immediate safety concerns” will be offered new housing, he said.
“Occupied houses will be closely monitored to prevent health hazards,” he said.
The units, built in the 1960s, were gutted down to their concrete shells for the renovations. They now feature modern flooring, countertops, tile, bathrooms and new appliances.
“Civil Engineers are working diligently to provide safe and reliable solutions to all impacted families,” Dabbs wrote.
