201222-N-GG858-1001 OKINAWA, Japan (Dec. 22, 2020) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Sub Area Activity Okinawa (SAAO), Commanding Officer Capt. Takuya Ito visited White Beach Naval Facility for the annual CFAO/SAAO Kadomatsu - Wreath Holiday exchange.
Members of the JMSDF placed two kadomatsu on White Beach and received a Holiday wreath from Fleet Acitivies Okinawa Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Hardy. Kadomatsu is composed of three bamboo shoots that are cut diagonally in different lengths, pine and sometimes ume (plum) tree sprigs, which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness and a base made of straw. (Video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Dickinson)
Every fisherman has big fish stories. John Iwaniec’s are bigger than most.
The waters of Okinawa are full of beauty and fun for everyone from the families in the shallows to explorers of the deep. But there are many dangers as well, not just the lurking kind with teeth but from the sea itself, something which John Iwaniec knows well. Best known to Sailors on Okinawa as the recently retired Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa Morale,...
