Atsugi Sailors Compete in JMSDF Swim Meet

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

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- A group of Sailors assigned to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi participated in a friendly swim competition with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) sailors June 28.

This year marks the third time that U.S. Sailors competed in the annual event, which featured swimmers from a handful of JMSDF commands. NAF Atsugi Sailors, including the installation's Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Gardner, were invited to take part and show off their swim skills.

"The JMSDF put on a great show here. They're entire fleet air wing is out here taking part, and it's just an honor that we can be a part of this too," said Gardner.

The competition was divided into several events, ranging from 50 and 100 meter freestyle and breast stroke events, as well as group relay races. The final event, a rank relay, offered both sides a chance to show off their swimming skills with sailors E-1 to O-6 exchanging laps.

The JMSDF brought out their elite swimmers, taking top place in most of the events. Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class (NAC) Sean Small, from Destin, Fla., said that although Atsugi Sailors were outmatched by the top-notch JMSDF swimmers, he still had a good time.

"This is definitely their competition," Small said. "They showed up with a smile on their face and even though we got our butts handed to us, it was still nice to show up."

Small added that some of the best U.S. Navy swimmers were unable to compete, because many are assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5, and currently embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), supporting operations in the Western Pacific. He hopes that in the future more Americans will continue to participate.

"I think it's something in the future; now that we see how it is we can put a team together and be more competitive."