By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J.
Lesonik, USS George Washington Public Affairs
ZUSHI, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy's
forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated
in a community relations (COMREL) event with the Zushi Hayama Lions Club at
Zushi beach, Aug. 20.
Sailors worked with the Lions Club to clean up debris from
the beach and surrounding areas.
"It is very important that Japanese citizens and
American Sailors work together and get to know each other," said Makoto
Ike, president of the Zushi Hayama Lions Club. "We really appreciate the
Sailors who have volunteered with us."
The Lions Club has volunteered with George Washington
Sailors for three years, participating in COMREL events and plan to continue
building upon their relationship in the future.
"Working with the Lions Club is important to develop
and foster professional relationships with George Washington and the U.S.
Navy" said Lt. j.g. Cole Yoos, George Washington's command religious
ministries department division officer.
According to Esther Kiyomi Kaneko, the coordinator of the
Lions Club, there has been a long standing relationship between the Lions Club
and the U.S. Navy dating back 20 years when the Midway (CV-41) was
forward-deployed to Japan.
"We are humbled and honored to have these Sailors come
here to work with us," said Ike.
COMRELs were established by the Department of Defense in
order to foster and further good relations with communities around the world.
They help to earn public support and understanding of operations, missions, and
requirements of the Military Services, and to increase understanding of U.S.
defense posture and capabilities by increasing public exposure.
George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air
Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective
maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the
Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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