Kekua Aumua, a supervisory air traffic control specialist, works inside the Kastner Airfield tower at Camp Zama, Japan, May 2, 2022. Aumua was honored for his 25 years of service to Army aviation and volunteer work in the community during an awards ceremony March 15, 2024. (Sean Kimmons, U.S. Army)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – A U.S. Army Garrison Japan senior air traffic controller at Kastner Airfield here was recently honored for his 25 years of service to Army aviation and volunteer work in the community.
Kekua Aumua received the Order of St. Michael from U.S. Army Aviation Battalion Japan during a ceremony March 15 at the Camp Zama Community Club.
The award, which is a joint effort between the Army Aviation Association of America and U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, was given to Aumua for his significant impact to Army aviation.
“It was very thoughtful for them to take the time and effort,” Aumua said about the recognition.
He also thanked his mentor, Loyd H. Black II, chief of the Kastner air traffic control tower, who nominated him for the award.
As part of his duties, Aumua ensures the battalion’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters can safely use the airfield and sometimes also coordinates to have Japanese military rotary aircraft land there.
Black said Aumua contributes in many other ways and helped the air traffic control team score in the top 5% of all U.S. Army facilities worldwide during two annual inspections.
“Kekua deserved this award for his outstanding contribution to Army aviation,” Black said. “He is a constant performer and a very humble individual who is always ready to lend a helping hand.”
Aumua, who previously served in a similar role as a Soldier, said the favorite part about his job has been training new controllers and guiding them in a monthslong process to have them certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
“This increases the readiness and proficiency of the Army’s fighting force, but also gives the Soldier the necessary credentials for a good paying job after their commitment to the U.S. Army,” he said. “I have been fortunate in this career field and my biggest goal is to afford as many Soldiers as possible the same opportunity.”
Outside of work, Aumua and his family, who will return to their home state of Hawaii this summer, have been active in youth sports on and off post for years.
Black said Aumua served as a true ambassador to Japan as he often volunteered to coach children in the local community.
“He has become a friend to all that have crossed his path,” Black said. “He will be sorely missed when he returns to Hawaii this year.”
Aumua and his wife, Siapotaga’i, who also coached youth sports, initially chose to move to Japan to provide their two children a broader perspective of the world.
Their daughter, Kierstyn, and son, Kekua-kaninauali’i, both participated in multiple sports while attending Zama Middle High School.
They have also played for the Sagamihara Young Giants, a local youth baseball club similar to Little League, that Aumua helped organize to offer American youth a chance to play with Japanese teammates.
“We have truly been blessed to meet so many wonderful people that have turned into family and friends,” Aumua said. “We will miss this beautiful place dearly.”
While his volunteerism may have taken much of his free time, Aumua sees his service to the community as a crucial pillar in his family’s beliefs.
“Where I live, work, and raise my family is where I should commit most of my energy and loyalty,” he said. “It’s where our children watch and learn, good or bad, from our example. I consider raising my children to be positive members of society as my biggest role in life.”
