NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan – Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi celebrated the United States Navy Chaplain Corps’ 238th anniversary with a ball at the base’s Convention Center, Dec. 3.
Guests from military installations around Japan attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the spiritual leaders in the military.
“We try to celebrate our corps history and tradition by bringing our chaplains together in one area to have fellowship and to relax,” said Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ) Chaplain Capt. Mil Yi.
Attendees of the ball received chocolate coins with the Navy seal and a coin in the shape of a Japanese guardian lion to represent the corps’ service as guardians over the spiritual well-being of service members.
The coin included CNRJ’s logo and the United States Navy Chaplain Corps’ logo on the lion’s breast plate on each side of the coin. The lion’s paw is on top of a circle holding the seals representing the four major religions including Buddhist, Christianity, Judaism and Muslim.
“There are more than 200 faith groups that we facilitate, care for, and make sure that their freedom to exercise religion takes place,” said Yi.
Ever since congress adopted Article 2 of the Continental Navy Regulations Nov. 28, 1775, the clergy has been present with military forces through every American conflict.
“Navy Chaplains have been present to ensure the regular spiritual care of those who serve,” said Master of Ceremony Lt. Bryan Davenport, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Staff Chaplain.
The ball started off with a welcome speech from Yi and the invocation from CFAY Command Chaplain Cmdr. Jonathan Smith.
A short ceremony with a bell ringing followed in remembrance of the departed Chaplain Corps members.
NAF Atsugi Command Chaplain Lt. Wilking Jean introduced NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Wieman as the guest speaker for the ball.
During a cake cutting ceremony, the first piece was presented to Wieman followed by a traditional representation of a senior member passing knowledge to a junior member by having the oldest commissioned chaplain present, Lt. Norbert Karava, pass the second slice of cake to the youngest commissioned chaplain present, Lt. Allan Bushnell.
“The piece [of cake] is given to the oldest and youngest chaplains present, symbolizing the experience and youthful spirit that are hallmarks of our Chaplain Corps,” said Davenport.
The official ceremony ended with the singing of the Navy Hymn followed by the benediction and blessing of the food given by CFAY Deputy Command Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. John Ault.
“The goal as we continue to do this is the hope that the younger chaplains will keep the traditions going to eventually have another 238 years of celebration,” said Yi.