OKINAWA, Japan - Marines and sailors experienced a bit of Okinawa’s aquatic sea life during a trip to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium July 24. The Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, family readiness office organized the event for the service members.
“The purpose of the event was to boost the morale of the Marines and sailors, as well as to experience what Okinawa has to offer,” said Rebekah M. Redifer, the family readiness officer with the battalion.
A large number of aquatic life forms can be found in Okinawa’s azure waters. During the trip, service members were able to witness a variety of these creatures at the aquarium.
“I usually keep a routine schedule, but breaking out of that routine through events such as today was a wonderful experience.” said Lance Cpl. Chi V. Nguyen, a combat camera production specialist with the battalion.
The aquarium provides a wide range of displays and shows that enhance the service member’s knowledge of sea life.
“The Okinawa seas are home to numerous sea creatures whose ecology is beyond my wildest imagination,” said Lance Cpl. Alden Strodder Jr., an air cell clerk with the battalion.
For some visitors, the aquarium increases their curiosity of what lies beneath the surface.
“The exhibits and shows at Churaumi grab the visitor’s attention,” said Nguyen. “They make me want to go to the beach, journey down into the deep-sea world, and experience the Okinawa aquatic life.”
The vivid imagery one receives at the aquarium is similar to scuba diving in Okinawa’s depths.
“Today was definitely an opportunity to go and see the many kinds of aquatic life you may not be able to see in other places of the world,” said Redifer. “Okinawa gives you that great opportunity.”
The event gave the service members an opportunity to see the beauty of the sea and its precious value through the aquarium’s exhibits.
“We are here to support the service members and families,” said Redifer. “We are here to boost morale and experience new adventures.”