Yokosuka Community Participates in National Night Out

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors and their families participated in National Night Out at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, Aug. 3.

National Night Out, celebrating its 27th year, is an event celebrated in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

Dubbed as America's "night out" against crime, the event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Yokosuka's 2010 edition featured emergency responders and service members giving others a glimpse of what they do on a daily basis.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to get together and see what activities there are for children, such as scouting," said Lt. Cmdr. Rome Delasalas, who volunteers his time as Boy Scout Troop 35's scout master. "As a case review committee officer for the base, I think events like these are important so kids get a chance to see all the base has to offer. There are lots of sports and activities available to keep kids busy and active so they don't get bored and end up getting themselves in trouble."

The Fleet and Family Support Center, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Marine Corps Security Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific and Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) Fire Department sent representatives to join patrolmen from the base security team, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and officers of the Yokosuka City Police Department to meet with and answer questions for members of the community.

In an effort to keep things interesting, demonstrations and hands-on interaction were added to enhance static displays. Security personnel from base demonstrated how they perform traffic stops and gave a military working dog demonstration. EODMU 5 gave attendees an opportunity to test drive their bomb disposal robot.