Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Hosts 'Jingle Stroll' Open Base Event

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Thousands of guests flooded through the front gates of Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), Japan, Dec. 18 as the command hosted Jingle Stroll 2010, the first open base event in three years.

The event, organized by CFAS and the Kyushu Defense Bureau (KDB), featured basketball clinics and exhibition games with the Women's Japan Basketball League, performances by Taiko drummers and a self-guided historical walking tour around nine monuments.

Jingle Stroll was designed to continue the positive relationship the CFAS service members and their families have with the local community.

During the opening ceremonies at the Fleet Fitness Center, Sasebo Mayor Norio Tomonaga said the basketball tournament, which featured teams composed of Japanese and American children, is just one way to build on an already strong friendship. He addressed the children prior to the game and emphasized fun and friendship.

"To all the participants, don't worry if you don't understand each other's language," Tomonaga said. "If your feelings can be received, passes will be received also. I hope everyone performs well. Please have fun and make new friends today."

Director General of the KDB, Yukinari Hirose, thanked all involved in helping to make the event possible.

"I would like to express my appreciation to you to allow your kids to participate in this event," Hirose said. "I hope the children make as many friends as possible. I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who supported this event."

Another major event of the day included a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of an new wharf, Juliet Wharf. The ceremony for the new wharf, a project six years in the making, was attended by dignitaries representing the government of Japan, Nagasaki Prefecture, the city of Sasebo, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and the U.S. Navy.

Afterwards, visitors were able to tour the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the JMSDF ship JDS Kongo (DDG 173).

CFAS Commanding Officer Capt. Francis X. Martin said the event was a great way to enhance the friendship the base and community have with one another, especially with the children.

"I believe that children have great potential to build the future society through their experiences," Martin said.