A Shinto priest performs a prayer recital to purify the land during the Air Force Special Operations Command airfield apron ground breaking ceremony held at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2019. The prayers and offerings are part of a traditional Shinto tradition to purify the site and wish safety on the construction crew. (Staff Sgt. Taylor Workman/Air Force)
Col. Calvin Hudson, U.S. Army Global Combatant Command engineer, washes his hands before entering the Air Force Special Operations Command airfield apron ground breaking ceremony held at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2019. Every attendee who entered the sacred space was required to wash their hands in observance of Shinto traditions. (Staff Sgt. Taylor Workman/Air Force)
Air Force and Army partners overseeing the construction of the Air Force Special Operations Command airfield apron break ground at a ceremony held at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2019. The AFSOC complex will provide the 21st Special Operations Squadron a permanent home for the CV-22 Osprey as a new apron is added to the existing airfield pavements as well as new utility and communication infrastructure. (Staff Sgt. Taylor Workman)