I had my own transportation. AO 62
I was there 1951-1961. We lived in Sagamihara and Yokohama.
For various reasons, my mom and I made six trips from Seattle-Yokohama, Yokohama-Seattle on MSTS (the Army’s Navy.)
Also lived in Yokohama (Negishi Heights) and later Sagamihara (Camp Zama). I believe we talked before; I watched the MSTS ship Gen. E.D. Patrick cast off in 1958.
How was it decided who traveled either by ship or by air? We went Northwest Orient/World Airways.
Just googled E.D. Patrick. She was towed to the scrapyard in 2010 after years out of service. Many posted comments about traveling on her as dependents, or military bound for Korea or Vietnam.