Origami for Operation Tomodachi participants

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten | From the left, Chief Religious Programs Specialist Tshombe Harris, Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Michael Lukenovich, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Melissa Sinclair, Master Chief Fire Controlman Craig Hohnstein and Fire Controlman 1st Class Jarrett Gorgoni hold a thank you letter and a handmade origami spinning top commemorating the second anniversary of Operation Tomodachi on the quarterdeck of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). More tahn 250 handcrafted origami were presented to the 7th Fleet and Navy Region Japan chaplains by origami artist Chiyoko Takeda in appreciation for the commands and units directly involved in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts during the aftermath of the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten)  

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

03.28.2013

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten

YOKOSUKA, Japan – U.S. 7th Fleet sailors received small tokens of appreciation in the form of the Japanese art of origami for their efforts during Operation Tomodachi.

Origami artist Ms. Chiyoko Takeda presented more than 250 handcrafted origami koma or spinning tops to the offices of the 7th Fleet via Navy Region Japan chaplains who accepted the generous gifts.

“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us when the great earthquake hit,” said Takeda. “What you did really impressed me and I would like to show my appreciation.”

The chaplains are assisting with the distribution of the tops and letters titled “Thank you. From Japan” to the commands and units that were directly involved in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts during the aftermath of the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 2011.

“The true measure of friendship is by the trials we endure and overcome together. It is the remembrance and gratitude shared between us that strengthen the relationship,” said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Tshombe Harris, U.S. 7th Fleet Chaplains Office. “Being that I was personally involved, like so many service members, knowing that Mrs. Takeda personally felt in her heart to express her gratitude through these carefully crafted origami komas is a symbol of true Tomodachi.”

The U.S. 7th Fleet mobilized 22 ships, 132 aircraft and more than 15,000 personnel to support the Japan Self-Defense Force in the largest recovery effort in their history. The relief operation was named Tomodachi, after the Japanese word for “friend.”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2013
• Date Posted: 03.28.2013 20:44
• Story ID: 104270
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP