VP-8 Participates in Japanese-American Friendship Festival

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Sua | 220522-N-CR843-0290 TOKYO (May 22, 2022) Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, pose for a photo with attendees of the the Japanese - American Friendship Festival at Yokota Air Base, May 22. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between the military and local communities.VP-8 was able to attend the event with the support of Commander, Task Force 72, Yokota Air Base, and the Japanese SelfDefense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Juan Sebastian Sua/Released)  

YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN

05.23.2022

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Sua 

Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 had the honor of participating in the Japanese-American Friendship Festival held on Yokota Air Base on May 21 and 22.

The festival, hosted by the 374th Airlift Wing and the Japanese Self Defense Force (JASDF), symbolized the bilateral alliance between the United States and Japan and provided the platform for a unique cultural exchange.

“We were honored to represent not only our squadron, but also naval aviation at the Friendship Festival,” said Lt. Sean Casey, VP-8’s detachment officer in charge. “The festival goers were incredibly friendly and enthusiastic to learn about the P-8 and the men and women behind it.”

The “Fighting Tigers” of VP-8 brought one of their P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the two-day event. Sailors offered tours of the aircraft, engaged with counterparts in the JASDF and posed for photographs with members of the community.

“I’ve attended the Friendship Festival since I was five years old,” said Kyo Matsuda, a festival goer. “The best part about the festival for me is talking to American service members and taking pictures. I especially like presenting the photos I take of their aircraft as a gift. To me, this is the point of the festival, to extend friendship.”

Over 110,000 people attended the two-day festival which translated to over a 1.5 hour wait to tour aircraft open to the public, including the P-8A Poseidon.

“The wait to see the P-8A submarine hunter was worth it,” said Kurea Suzuki, a festival goer.” “I enjoyed taking a photo with the pilot in the cockpit and walking through the whole plane.”

The Fighting Tigers ,based in Jacksonville, Florida, are operating out of Misawa Air Force Base in Japan. The squadron is conducting maritime patrols and reconnaissance as well as theater outreach operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2022
• Date Posted: 05.26.2022 08:02
• Story ID: 421569
• Location: YOKOTA AIR BASE, JP