Soldiers in Japan foster bi-lateral relationships

By Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed, JapanJanuary 23, 2013

Soldiers in Japan Foster Bi-lateral Relationships
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Kevin D. McCarley, commander, 83rd Ordnance Battalion, addresses Kure community leaders during the unit's New Year's Reception at the Harbor club in Kure, Japan. McCarley thanked Kure government and municipal agencies for their continued sup... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers in Japan Foster Bi-lateral Relationships
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tatsumi Tanaka, mayor of Etajima City, Japan, delivers his speech to those in attendance at the 83rd Ordnance Battalion's New Year's Reception at the Harbor club, Jan. 16, 2013. Tanaka thanked the 83rd Ordnance for conducting safe ammunition operatio... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers in Japan Foster Bi-lateral Relationships
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Ivan Dacres, support operations officer in charge, 83rd Ord. Bn., talks with CDR Kenji Sanada, commanding officer, Kure Submarine Base, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, and Capt. Takuo Nakato, director, 2nd Education Department, 1st Service Sc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers in Japan Foster Bi-lateral Relationships
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Radames Ortiz-Santiago, executive officer, 83rd Ordnance Battalion, and his spouse, Milagros Ortiz-Santiago, listen as Akinori Nagoa, police chief, Kure City, speaks his best spanish during 83rd Ordnance Battalion's New Year's Reception at the H... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KURE, Japan (Jan. 22, 2013) -- The 83rd Ordnance Battalion hosted approximately 50 Japanese military, government and municipal community leaders for a New Year's Reception at the Harbor Club at Akizuni Pier 6, here, Jan. 16.

Lt. Col. Kevin D. McCarley, commander, 83rd Ord. Bn., opened the reception by thanking the Hiroshima Prefecture community for their continued support, loyal friendship and partnership.

"Through your kindness, cooperation and trust we are able to accomplish our mission while maintaining a great quality of life for our Soldiers, civilians and family members." said McCarley.

Tatsumi Tanaka, mayor, Etajima City, served as the guest speaker and explained the entire Hiroshima Prefecture is thankful the 83rd has conducted safe ammunition operations in addition to enhancing relationships with local citizens.

Tanaka also highlighted the importance of the American and Japanese bi-lateral relationship by referring to Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, remarks during his first interview after taking the position this past December.

"I want to reiterate what Prime Minister Abe stated, it's imperative to continue to build on the relationship of trust we enjoy under the U.S. and Japan alliance. The first step in turning Japan's foreign and security policy around is reinforcing our bond of friendship and establishing friendships under our alliance which is the cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy," explained Tanaka

Throughout the reception, Soldiers, civilians and family members and their Japanese counterparts enjoyed food and great music from the United States Army Japan band. It was a recipe that enabled everyone to strengthen partnerships by enhancing friendships which are vital and important.

"We greatly appreciate the lasting friendships of the past and seek to broaden and make stronger our partnerships in the future," said McCarley

Related Links:

Army.mil: Asia and Pacific News

U.S. Army Garrison Japan News -- Rising Sun

83rd Ordnance Battalion on Facebook

83rd Ordnance Battalion