DoD Spouses Hold Appreciation Luncheon for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Vivian Blakely, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Department of Defense family members based at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi held a luncheon in appreciation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) efforts in Operation Tomodachi April 1.

"The JMSDF have done so much for the people here that I wanted to do one little thing to help them" said Cherada Weaver, an NAF Atsugi spouse. "They're so appreciative of everything. It's just one nice thing I can do for them."

Through Ruthie Clearwater of the American Red Cross office and officials in the Host Nation Relations Office, the spouses residing on NAF Atsugi were able to organize the luncheon.

"The food drives are really to show our support as those left on base for our Sailors, our Marines and JMSDF," said Clearwater.

Lt. Taketsugu Matsumoto, officer in charge (OIC) of Multi-Purpose Helicopter Squadron (HM) 111 expressed his deep gratitude for the luncheon.

"Our situation is very severe but the United States helps us. That is very important. So thank you very much, deeply."

The luncheon was sponsored by the base American Red Cross office and NAF Atsugi's Spouses Association and attended by more than 200 JMSDF personnel.