Yokosuka enjoys midnight screening of Star Wars

Photo By james odonnell | 151217-N-JZ050-001 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 17, 2015) – Sailors and civilian fans of the Star Wars movie franchise line up for the midnight screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater. More than 600 people lined up to watch the midnight screenings of the latest installment in the Star Wars film franchise at FLEACT Yokosuka’s two theaters here late Thursday night. FLEACT provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, 83 tenant commands, and 24,000 military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Jim O’Donnell/ Released)  

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

12.17.2015

Courtesy Story

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Japan

By Jim O'Donnell, CFAY Public Affairs)
YOKOSUKA, Japan - More than 600 fans of the Star Wars movie franchise braved the cold Thursday night at Yokosuka’s Fleet and Benny Decker Theaters to be part of the first people on the planet to see the latest installment Stars Wars movie phenomenon.

Commander Fleet Activity Yokosuka’s Morale Welfare and Recreation held midnight screenings of the much-awaited installment to the fan-loved franchise that began in 1977 at midnight Thursday night. For the Sailors and civilians standing in line at Yokosuka’s two theaters it was worth the wait.

“I have been waiting for this movie since they announced it,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Lopez, Aviation Boatswain Mate Launch /Recovery from the Nimitz-class Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Lopez had stood in line for about two hours Thursday night for the first showing at Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater.

“I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I can’t wait until it starts,” Lopez said.

Both Yokosuka theaters held advance ticket sales this week for the midnight premier, CFAY’s Benny Decker sold more than 330 tickets for the midnight showing and the line to get in Thursday night stretched to Yokosuka’s bowling alley parking lot next to Kinnick High School.

At the head of the line at Benny Decker Theater was Seaman Apprentice Donovan Bryant. Bryant is an Operations Specialist on Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG-67).

“I’ve been in line since about 9:30 p.m. tonight,” said Bryant. “Empire Strikes Back was my favorite movie but I’ve been waiting for this one for …”

“Forever” said a fellow fan behind him in line.

Star Wars the Force Awakens is showing at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s two theaters for the foreseeable future, check MWR’s Facebook page at www.navymwryokosuka.com for show times.

• Date Taken: 12.17.2015
• Date Posted: 12.17.2015 21:07
• Story ID: 184853
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP