USO Futenma: Refresh Project 2025

At USO Futenma, the goal is for everyone who walks into the space to have the best experience possible and innately feel connected to family, home and country. The team is constantly observing and looking for ways to improve the aesthetics of the center and create an aura of comfort and a warm welcome. Over the last five years, USO Futenma has been fortunate to receive a complete interior renovation, as well as major improvements to the A/C system and exterior appearance. That said, it was time for some detailed updates regarding furniture and equipment—otherwise known as a refresh.

In May of 2024, USO Futenma’s staff was asked to plan for a refresh in 2025. For this task, the team assessed some of the oldest furnishings throughout the center to strategize what could be changed to provide a more relaxing environment. Most of the furniture was over eight years old and had seen much wear and tear while supporting hundreds of thousands of service members, family members and guests for nearly a decade. The team also saw a need to update many entertainment services, including multiple 85” TVs, new sound systems for the Theater Room and Main Lounge, new karaoke equipment and a PA system.

Center Operations Coordinator Mike Oliwek adds, “Our charcoal grill on the back patio was outdated and in need of some major repairs and updates to be functional. With the help of our contractors through design ideas, we finally found a product that we’re proud of, giving the backyard atmosphere a more home-like feel while allowing grilling programs for large groups.” Team USO Futenma is always looking to improve and create a better experience! Fast forward almost a year and the refreshment got underway by selecting furniture colors, styles and other design details. By assisting with sketch designs of new grills, purchasing new gaming equipment as well as big-screen TVs, surround sound systems, sound bars, and much more, the whole team was able to actively be involved in this refresh project. Center Operations Manager Will Stanley says, “It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to collaborate with my team on a project, especially knowing that the outcome is going to support and connect thousands of service members and their families to family, home and country for many years to come.”

As USO Futenma reaches the completion of this 2025 Refresh, the team continuously aims to go above and beyond patrons’ expectations of aesthetics and amenities provided within the center environment. From modernized furniture that can be utilized in multiple formats to securing the newest technology for electronics, such as flat screens and VR game sets, Team USO Futenma is consistently thinking of the future and how to better support the military community here on Okinawa.

“We are eager to see those in uniform, as well as their families, attend our upcoming programs and enjoy themselves in this newly updated space where we want all to feel welcome and supported,” says Mina Fisher, center operations specialist at USO Futenma.

The team’s focus revolves around not only comfort but also the functionality of every decision made. Each time a patron visits USO Futenma, they’ll be greeted by cushioned seating to relax, paired with built-in lap desks to accommodate personal or business use. Service members and their families will also be surrounded by top-tier sound systems and large-sized screens to feel immersed in the entertainment displays. All this to say, the team at USO Futenma looks forward to seeing both repeat patrons and first-time visitors begin to utilize the many amenities provided at the center.

Please stop by for yourself to see the outcome of this brand-new 2025 Refresh!