YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to USS George Washington (CVN 73) assisted in the rescue of an American tourist July 8 while climbing Japan's world famous Mount Fuji. Lt. Jay Furman, a George Washington assistant strike operator officer and a native of Austin, Texas, assisted Mr. Erwin Kuhns, an 84-year-old American tourist also climbing Fuji. "I did anything that anyone else would have done in my situation on that mountain," said Furman. "There was someone who needed assistance, and I had the abilities to take care of the situation. I was blown away at how appreciative everyone was and have been since that day."
Furman, an avid outdoors man, began his 12,388-foot journey up Fuji around noon, although he had initially planned to begin his journey up the mountain before daybreak.
"With the ship being in for a few days, I didn't want to miss the chance of climbing Fuji before we had to return to sea," said Furman.
Furman reached the summit of Fuji, a feat typically taking five to six hours, in four hours.
"It was a gloomy day to climb," said Furman. "The weather conditions were not in the hiker's favor to see any views from the top. It was windy, cold and there was a drizzly haze that would not go away that day."
While descending the mountain, Furman came across Kuhns, a hiker who had become separated from his son during their trek down the mountain, and noticed the man was having difficulties.
"He looked physically worn out," said Furman.
Furman began to assist Kuhns back down the mountain, learning that Kuhns was a U.S. Navy coxswain's mate in World War II on a landing ship, ferrying troops to the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. Furman also learned that Kuhns had climbed Fuji more than 60 years ago and recently returned to climb it again with his son.
After carrying Kuhns some distance down the mountain, Furman noticed the sun was setting and the weather was worsening. He realized that he and Kuhns were the only ones left on the trail and that Kuhn's condition was continuing to deteriorate.
"I pulled us to the side of the hiking trail and tried to find shelter due to the blowing and freezing rain at the time," said Furman. "Once I did that, I climbed a little crevice nearby to try to get a cell phone signal."
After not being able to get in contact with the Fuji park rangers, Furman was able to contact the Navy liaison at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for assistance. Informing them of his situation, they immediately called the Japanese police and alerted authorities about the men on Fuji. The Japanese police and park rangers arrived to the base of the mountain and began to search for the men.
Hours passed as Furman assisted in guiding the rescue team to his location by using a hiking trail map, his cell phone, a flashlight and whistle that he brought along for the hike. His constant communication with the Japanese rescue team led to the end of his and Kuhns ordeal around 10 p.m. July 8.
Kuhns, now reunited with his son, was sent to the hospital and treated for dehydration and exposure. Furman, who was graciously thanked for his efforts by the entire rescue team and Japanese police on site, was escorted to the police station to fill out some paperwork.
"When I went to the police station to fill out the report, the police chief asked for my work number," said Furman.
The police chief called Furman's commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas Bush, to thank him personally for Furman's assistance on Fuji.
"Lt. Furman is a model officer in all respects," Bush said. "Therefore, I was not surprised to hear he took charge of the situation on the mountain and saw things through to a safe and successful outcome."
Furman's service to the Navy and forward deployed naval forces will continue beyond his tenure aboard George Washington. According to Bush, Furman was recently selected to become the next flag aide to Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander, Carrier Strike Group 5/Task Force 70.
"I have no doubt Furman will excel in that role," said Bush.
While overseas, U.S. service members serve as ambassadors who are held to an exceptional standard when stationed in host countries and visiting ports of call. Furman said his efforts to help Kuhns would not have been possible without the work between himself and the Japanese law enforcement.
Furman's climb to the top of Fuji and rescue of a fellow shipmate and World War II veteran was an adventure Furman said he will long remember.
"Mr. Kuhns is an amazing man I'll never forget," he said. "I'd be darned if he didn't do what he said he would and climb the mountain again at 84-years-old. Now that is impressive."
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