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)
On Jun. 15, 2021, Chief Master-at-Arms Frederick Joshua, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, took his oath of office and was sworn in as an ensign in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps. His path was unusual in that he had no direct ties to the medical service but he chose this difficult and unusual path to better serve others.
Chief selects stood at attention, shoulder to shoulder on the dimly lit stage of the Keystone Theater on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Japan, eagerly awaiting their anchors during the FY20 Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 12.
Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class Javontae Cooper, from Snow Hill, Md., assigned to Fleet Activities Okinawa, got the chance to play the paarankuu, a small hand drum, during the Kadena Eisa Festival August 26.
