Photo By Vivian Blakely |
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jared Hughes, of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi's Security......read moreread more
Photo By Vivian Blakely | Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jared Hughes, of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi's Security Force, participates in a bean-bag toss alongside Eliezer Haw during the base's 30th Annual National Night Out. National Night Out is a program designed to promote crime and drug prevention and the unity between communities and their local emergency services. (U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Vivian Blakely/Released) see less
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NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan – Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Security Forces hosted their 13th annual National Night Out (NNO) on Aug. 6. NNO is an event that was founded by the National Association Town Watch in 1984 marking this year as the 30th anniversary for the event nationwide.
The goal of NNO is to promote crime and drug prevention, partnerships between communities and their local emergency services and neighborhood unity.
“The security department sets this event up every year to demonstrate the capabilities of the police department and the fire department in providing security for this base,” said NAF Atsugi Security Officer Lt. j.g. Griffin Lotson. “This event informs the public and lets them enjoy some of the things that we do.”
The evening started off with opening remarks from NAF Atsugi Executive Officer Cmdr. Joseph Alden.
“The U.S. service members have sworn their lives to protecting this community here in Japan,” said Alden. “It is a great opportunity for the U.S. with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force alongside the city of Ayase and Yamato to showcase their talents and how closely together we have become as friends.”
Many organizations were present at the event, including NAF Atsugi Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E), Branch Health Clinic, and police and fire departments from the local communities like Yamato and Ayase.
“NNO benefits the community because it gives them a chance to get out and interact with the fire departments, the paramedics and with the security forces here on base,” said D.A.R.E. representative and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jay Carter. “It gives us a more friendly atmosphere rather than breaking up a loud noise complaint or having to pull someone over.”
Activities included games and contests, static displays of police vehicles and fire trucks, and a military working dog demonstration.
“It is a great opportunity to get out and increase our awareness of crime and drug prevention and to show our children just who is here protecting the peace,” said Alden.
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