USS Patriot Visits Amami, Japan

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160321-06
Release Date: 3/21/2016 11:36:00 AM

From CTF 76 Public Affairs

AMAMI, Japan (NNS) -- USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Amami, Japan, for a scheduled port visit, March 19, after completing squadron level mine countermeasure training in Okinawa, Japan.

Patriot's approximately 90 crew members will have the opportunity to take part in cultural and sports exchanges, as well as community service projects with local citizens.

"This is Patriot's first port visit to Amami and the crew and I are honored to be here and have the opportunity to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Amami City," said Lt. Cdr. Emily Royse, commanding officer, Patriot.

The modern city of Amami, located on the island of Amami shima, in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, was established with the merger of the city of Naze, the town of Kasari, and the village of Sumiyo on March 20, 2006.

"This port visit not only provides my crew and I an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture, but it also gives the people of Amami a chance to meet our fine Sailors and gain a better understanding of our mission here in the 7th Fleet," Royse added.

Patriot is assigned to Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, and is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.