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Preble Visits Fukuoka, Fosters Relationship

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090302-01
Release Date: 3/2/2009 5:37:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Elliott J. Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

FUKUOKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) arrived in Fukuoka, Japan, Feb. 27 for a scheduled port visit.

Preble plans to foster international relationships during this port visit through friendly interactions like sporting competitions and community service projects.

"The relationship between Japan and United States is absolutely critical," said Preble Commanding Officer Cmdr. John Wade. "We're friends with Japan, and we need to build that relationship not only with the military but also with the populace."

While on liberty, each Sailor becomes an ambassador for the United States and the Navy, said Wade.

During their previous port visit in Hong Kong, Preble Sailors volunteered their time to work with children and at an animal rescue center. In Japan, they are scheduled to spend time interacting with children from a local children's center.

"When they see Sailors come halfway across the world and then volunteer to help them, it's something that they are probably going to remember for a while, and it's something that they'll pass on to their friends," said Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class (SW) Alexandria Lare, a volunteer aboard Preble.

"We can make a difference and show that we are much more than a fighting force," said Wade. "The relationships and bonds we build when we reach out to the community are everlasting. It shows that we are contributing to the betterment of others, and that reflects on the goodwill of the United States as well as the Navy."

Preble is on a scheduled western Pacific deployment as part of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group.

The first joint mission the strike group completed was an undersea warfare exercise with Japanese Maritime Self-defense Forces.

"This deployment is absolutely critical to support our maritime strategy," said Wade. "We're here with forward presence as a deterrent, but the other part is working with our allies and building their capacity so that together as whole we can provide better security throughout the region."

Fostering diplomatic relations with allies through friendly community interactions in port is part of America's maritime strategy to build a joint coalition force of allies capable of ensuring maritime security.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.