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Stethem Explores Akita, Japan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060405-03
Release Date: 4/5/2006 1:47:00 PM

From USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group Public Affairs

AKITA, Japan (NNS) -- A welcome delegation of local civic and business leaders greeted USS Stethem (DDG 63) with flowers as she arrived in Akita April 4 for a port visit.

Stethem’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Robert Gonzales, ship’s Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Borchers, and Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Robert Corkish met the delegation and presented them with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the crew.

As the first U.S. Navy ship to visit in more than 30 years, Stethem was excited about the unique experience of visiting a seldom-seen part of Japan. The port visit affords Stethem the opportunity to explore the city of Akita, the Oga Peninsula, and Lake Tazawa.

While in port, Sailors participated in a community service project, played basketball and baseball games with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s (JGSDF) 21st Infantry Regiment, based in Akita, and hosted a reception aboard Stethem for their Japanese hosts.

Gonzales paid official visits to many of the leaders in the community, including Norihisa Satake, mayor of Akita, Sukeshiro Tarata, governor of Akita Prefecture, and Lt. Col. Hisayasu Takahashi, vice commander of the JGSDF’s 21st Infantry Regiment.

The port visit also gave Sailors a chance to relax after several busy weeks underway, acting as escort for the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group and participating in a Passing Exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Many Sailors enjoyed the downtown area with its many restaurants and shopping. A highly-anticipated tour set up by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation department included sightseeing on the Oga peninsula, a Japanese sake factory, Lake Tazawa and the Nyutu Spa.

Sonar Technician 3rd Class Keith Martinez had already made his plans for the port visit.

“I’m excited to go on the tour of the Nyutu Spa,” said Martinez. “I also signed up to play in the softball game. The rest of my time on liberty I plan to tour some of the countryside and go sightseeing. I think this port visit is going to be great.”

“I can’t wait to go on the tour of the Sake Factory and Museum," added Engineman 3rd Class Brian Lengel, "and I am hoping to see snow on the ground when I go sightseeing.”

Stethem is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. To learn more, please visit the Web site at www.ccsg-5.navy.mil.