The Stork's Nest
Temporary Lodging for High-Risk Pregnancies
The Stork's Nest provides temporary, space-available lodging for obstetric beneficiaries transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Okinawa, the only MTF in Japan with a NICU, located onboard Camp Foster, for high-risk pregnancy care, labor, and delivery. Located in Building 971 (directly across the parking lot from the hospital), it offers private rooms with a queen bed, sofa, kitchenette, refrigerator/microwave, private bathroom, TV, and free laundry facilities. It is maintained by the West Pac Inn (The Inns of the Corps) and is not a patient-care facility.
(Please note: To gain access to Building 971, patients must check in at West Pac Inn, which is in a different location on Camp Foster.)
Eligibility
Active-duty service members or their dependents who are:
- Outpatient OB patients transferred to USNH Okinawa for high-risk pregnancy care, and
- Able to care for themselves independently
Cost & How to Access
The Stork's Nest is considered TAD lodging with per diem rate set by the DTS/Travel office. Your case manager is the point of contact and will coordinate arrangements and DTS upon eligibility determination.
Important to Know
- Medical Care: Upon acceptance to the Stork’s Nest, initial appointments will be scheduled.
- Meals: Rooms have a kitchenette and there are several restaurants located nearby on Camp Foster. Patients may also eat at the hospital galley (payment is credit-card only).
- Occupancy: Maximum 3 occupants or 2 adults per room. Family may visit but cannot exceed occupancy limits. Pets are not allowed.
- Childcare: USNH Okinawa does not provide childcare. Patients must have a family care plan or alternate arrangements for siblings during labor, delivery, or any time the beneficiary is unavailable.
- Schooling: Children of Stork's Nest residents are not eligible to attend Okinawa DoDEA schools; DoDEA recommends keeping children enrolled at their current school.
- Housekeeping: The West Pac Inn provides weekly housekeeping with daily cleaning the resident’s responsibility.
Typhoon Season Guidance
At Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 1C, patients 37+ weeks (singleton), 35+ weeks (twins), or otherwise designated high-risk are advised to shelter in place at the hospital. Cots and air mattresses are available to check out. Plan ahead and bring medications, a hospital bag, credit card (hospital galley is credit-card only), chargers, toiletries, and comfort items.
Stork's Nest Guide
Click on the image below for a PDF guide to the Stork's Nest
