Curtis Wilbur Sailors Experience Shimoda, Participate in 71st Black Ship Festival

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brock A. Taylor, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan

May 18, 2010 - SHIMODA, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) steamed out of Shimoda Harbor May 17.

After spending almost a week celebrating the 71st Annual Black Ship Festival with the citizens of Shimoda, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) and hundreds of visitors from around Japan and the U.S., Curtis Wilbur departed Shimoda.

"I couldn't be more proud of my Sailors for what they have accomplished here in Shimoda. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to take part in this festival and I think we've had a great time out here," said Cmdr. Paul Hogue, Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer.

The festival commemorates the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Shimoda, and the establishment of the first U.S. Consulate in Japan at the Gyokusen-Ji shrine. It was here in 1854 that the two countries worked out the Treaty of Peace and Amity that led to ending the centuries old Sakoku, Japan's self-imposed isolationist policy. The policy forbade any Japanese to travel outside the country, foreigners from traveling to Japan and restricted trade with foreign countries to the port of Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the treaty of mutual cooperation and security between Japan and the United States," said Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Richard Wren, during opening remarks at the festival commencement ceremony. "But our relationship goes back much further than that, all the way back to here, Shimoda, where Americans and Japanese first got to know one another and began the long and warm friendship that binds us together today."

That friendship was evident at a variety of events that brought the two nations closer together through friendly sporting competitions, tours and a parade featuring Sailors from the Wilbur, the JMSDF destroyer JDS Shirayuki (DD 123), the 7th Fleet Band and performances from a collection of local artists and Nile C. Kinnick High School students.

The officers and crew of the Shirayuki was anchored in the harbor along with Wilbur. Commanding Officer Cmdr. Hiro Kitamikado, reminded everyone in attendance of the long and proud tradition the two navies share and how important it is that they continue to grow and reinforce their friendship.

"We once fought a terrible fight across the Pacific Ocean, but now it is one of the widest and deepest relations among many navies in the world," said Kitamikado. "This year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japan – U.S. Security Treaty, which contributed to the development of Japan as well as the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific region. It is very important to maintain the bond between the JMSDF and U.S. Navy, the core of the Japan – U.S. alliance."

The four-day festival offered Sailors the chance to interact with and gain a better understanding of Japanese nationals.

"It was an outstanding experience; I'm glad we had a chance to come out here and hang out a little bit and walk around mingling with the local nationals. It means a lot," said Information Technician 1st Class (SW) Lucas Lewis. "Japanese people who live outside of Yokosuka don't get a chance to interact with Sailors very often, so this gives us an opportunity for them to meet us and let them know that we are here and that we are on the same team."

According to Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) John Hamrick, the festival was especially beneficial to Sailors new to Japan or the Navy.

"It helps the junior Sailors get a much more thorough understanding of the diversities of culture and it helps them do away with the myths that hear about," said Hamrick. "They can see for themselves that it's an exceptionally beautiful culture. They're very hospitable and that they are nice people. This isn't just a show and this visit gives them an opportunity to see it first hand and enjoy it."