Sasebo Sailors Learn Safety, Celebrate Alliance with Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Sasebo

June 1, 2010 - SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- A safety fair at Nimitz Park kicked off the annual 101-critical days of summer safety campaign at U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan, May 28.

More military personnel die in accidents during the 101 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is why several departments and organizations within the Sasebo base community set up booths for the event.

"Our basic message is all about safety," said Jeanette Ayala, who worked at the fire safety booth. "We're talking about gas grill safety. We're showing people third-degree burns and second-degree burns so that way they can all be aware and next time they barbecue, hopefully they won't barbecue themselves along with the burger."

Using a real gas fire, regional fire department personnel showed fair participants the correct way to discharge a fire extinguisher.

Many of the 200 fair attendees were impressed by the traffic safety display, which featured photos of Sasebo car accidents and showed other locations with a high number of accidents.

"Traffic was interesting," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Robert Morales. "They have a map where they indicate a lot of the accidents and they provide situation awareness and which areas to avoid. I mean I saw 12 accidents [on the display] right around here on the corner, which, you know I'll try to avoid."

Rolando Kallead, a traffic safety instructor, explained to a visitor at his booth, that when a traffic light turns green, drivers should wait a couple of seconds before proceeding, because there's always a chance somebody will run a red light.

Many safety fair participants were dressed in Navy physical training uniforms for a special 5k fun run scheduled after the safety event.

Nearly 225 people participated in the run, which was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Runners included Sailors from both the U.S. Navy Sailors and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as well as members of the base community.

"Good race. A very good opportunity. I enjoyed," said Yamato Koide, a local resident at the after-race barbecue.