Commander, Naval Region Japan chaplain visits Sailors in Misawa

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

03.12.2015

Story by Senior Chief Petty Officer Ryan Delcore 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

MISAWA, Japan - Capt. Mil Yi, regional chaplain for Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ), visited Sailors at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 9–13.

Sailors were given the opportunity to seek advice and faith-based guidance from Capt. Yi during his visit.

“My primary focus being up here is to care for our Sailors,” said Yi.
Navy chaplains have four core values that they focus on.
Provide: Provide and take care of your own.

Facilitate: Facilitate a means for Sailors to practice their religion no matter what it may be.

Advise: Advise Navy commanders on morals, ethics, and the wellbeing of Sailors and their family members.

Care: Care for all. Chaplains show they care by walking spaces which allows Sailors an easy way of meeting with chaplains to discuss issues during one-on-one conversations.

“One of the things we do have that is really helpful for Sailors and their family members is 100 percent confidentiality. Understanding that chaplains provide a safe environment where conversations will be kept between the individual and the chaplain really helps us care for our Sailors and their family members,” said Yi.

Navy chaplains are highly-qualified to discuss and provide guidance for most issues and they are able to provide access to other specialists if necessary.

Capt. Yi gave daily open-office consultations at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa’s chaplain’s office during his visit.

Long-distance relationships are one of the most common challenges faced by Sailors and their family members.

“One of the keys to maintaining a long-distance relationship is what I call ‘keeping the flames alive.’ You do that by communicating honestly with each other while addressing issues in a positive way that doesn’t hurt the other’s feelings,” said Yi.

NAF Misawa is billeted for a Navy chaplain but the job has been gapped for more than 18 months. The U.S. Air Force also provides religious services and counseling for Sailors at the base chapel here.
“We come up here quarterly to walk the spaces, meet with Sailors and spouses, and do counseling,” said Yi.

Capt. Yi sends Navy chaplains from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan and Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan here quarterly to provided chaplain services.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2015
• Date Posted: 03.12.2015 02:09
• Story ID: 156721
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP
• Hometown: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP