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U.S., Japanese surface warriors build relationships

7th Fleet News Release

1/14/2003

Journalist 2nd Class Wes Eplen, Commander, Amphibious Group 1 public affairs

SASEBO, Japan -- American and Japanese surface warfare officers gathered here Jan. 10, not to discuss policy or plan operations, but to have dinner, drink a cocktail and socialize.

The event was hosted by the Surface Navy Association Sasebo Chapter and designed to bring the two nations' surface warriors together in a relaxed atmosphere where they could move beyond professional relationships and get to know their counterparts personally.

"We have professional relationships between us and other countries around our area of operations, but we live in Sasebo and I think social interaction between our officers and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) officers is of great value," said Capt. Andy Karakos, Sasebo Chapter SNA president and Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11. "Social interaction amongst our two Navy's personnel will result in a better understanding of one another and facilitate a professional sharing of ideas."

"I see these guys all the time, but I'm never quite sure if I should greet them or how to interact with them," said Lt.j.g. Micaela Golding, USS Essex's (LHA 2) training officer. "Tonight I learned it is a lot easier than I thought it was."

"We have the common background of being surface warfare officers, but we also have to go beyond that," Golding added.

Golding also found out that she enjoys going to the same places, enjoys the same off-duty activities and she shares a lot of common experiences with the JMSDF officers.

Several officers from JDS Congo and Essex arranged to tour each other's ships in the coming week. Others made plans to visit restaurants or local attractions with their new friends.

"These guys are great. It's really neat to hear where they're coming from," said Lt.j.g. David Wilcox, damage control assistant on USS Guardian (MCM 5). "We talked about life onboard the ship, training experiences, where they came from and how they got to where they are. That's the whole reason I joined the Navy, to see how other people live."

"The JMSDF junior officers are just like our junior officers," said Capt. Karakos. "They have the same jobs, they go to some of our schools and they have the same ship-board systems, so there's a common reference point for each of our surface navies."

"After all, we live and work in Sasebo, Japan," Karakos added. "Who better to build both a friendship and professional relationship with than JMSDF officers?"

The SNA hosts events for its members whenever their schedules allow. Capt. Karakos and Rear Adm. Hirotaka Honda plan to schedule similar social gatherings in the future.

"I think this party is a good chance to bring Japan and the U.S. together," said Rear Adm. Honda, Commander Escort Flotilla 2. "It is also a good chance to promote the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF."

Both the SNA and the surface community are good things to get into, Golding added.

"I enjoy getting the newsletters and I really enjoy the surface community," Golding said. "I think it's really great that we get to go to so many places. This may sound like a cliché, but I think that this really is one of the best, most adventurous jobs in the military."