USS George Washington Sailors Earn Japanese Good Conduct Award

From USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Command Religious Ministries Department aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) earned the 2014 Nippon Zenkokai Association Good Conduct Award, April 16.

The annual award, founded in 1951, is presented to individuals and organizations whose gallant or benevolent acts are remarkably beneficial to their neighbors or the general public. The award was opened in 1955 to honor foreigners who have contributed to the betterment of life in Japan.

"This award exemplifies the hard work of all George Washington Sailors, and is another shining example of the mutual respect and strong relationship between the U.S. and our host nation," said Cmdr. Daniel Mode, George Washington's command chaplain.

The Nippon Zenkokai Association is an independent non-profit organization under the control of the Cabinet Office of the Japanese government and which is committed to encouraging good conduct of people and to enhance warm, mutual relationships among the members of society.

"The U.S. alliance with Japan is the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said George Washington Command Master Chief Shaun Brahmstead. "A significant, contributing factor to this alliance is the positive interaction of our Sailors with local communities through community service projects, volunteerism and other events."

Other group winners include: Shinsen Children's Home Committee; Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka's (CFAY) Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions; and CFAY's Nile C. Kinnick High School.

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.