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Guardian Arrives in Niigata, Japan, for Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060731-06
Release Date: 7/31/2006 1:47:00 PM

By Ensign Brad Smith, USS Guardian Public Affairs

NIIGATA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) pulled into Niigata, Japan, July 27 for a scheduled port visit as part of a training underway period, just after the ship completed a ship's restricted availability (SRA) period.

While in Niigata, the ship’s crew of approximately 80 Sailors will have a chance to participate in friendship-building and goodwill-generating activities and cultural exchanges with the people of the sea-side city.

“Guardian’s visit to Niigata is a powerful symbol of the U.S. Navy’s longstanding desire to engage with and learn more about our host country and key partner in regional stability,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steven H. DeMoss, Guardian’s commanding officer.

Guardian was greeted upon its arrival by a welcoming committee of local dignitaries and members of the Niigata Japan-America Society. Such a warm welcome was greatly appreciated by the Guardian crew.

“It really brings a new level of excitement to visiting this part of Japan when you receive this sort of reception,” said Mineman 3rd Class Matthew R. Roewe.

Immediately upon coming ashore, DeMoss was greeted by Yoshida Rokuzaemon, Niigata’s parliamentary representative in Japan’s Diet. They exchanged pleasantries and talked about the importance of the day to both the crew of Guardian and the Niigata community - and for U.S./Japan relations.

The Niigata Japan-America Society also made an elegant gesture in recognition of the prefecture’s sister states in America by presenting flowers to two members of the Guardian crew from those sister states. Engineman Fireman Stephen P. Cole from Illinois, and Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Kellen L. Kaeo from Hawaii were bestowed with floral arrangements.

Niigata City, one of the largest cities along the Sea of Japan, is considered a premier Japanese port. It is well known as one of Japan’s preeminent and most enduring maritime commercial centers, being one of only five ports opened for international trade in 1868.

During their stay, Guardian Sailors will have the opportunity to visit important historical sites and participate in the numerous recreational activities available in the Niigata area.

Guardian is a mine countermeasures ship forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Guardian serves under Task Force 76, which serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet’s mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations.

For more information on CTF 76, visit www.ctf76.navy.mil.

For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.