U.S. Navy League Honors Strike Group Sailors

. U.S. Navy League Honors Strike Group Sailors

By Journalist Seaman Nick Flabi, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs

TOKYO (NNS) -- To show appreciation for Yokosuka-based Sailors involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Navy League's Yokosuka chapter hosted 75 Kitty Hawk Strike Group Sailors for dinner at the Tokyo American Club June 1.

Navy League members and other supporters hosted the Sailors and bought them dinner. The Sailors were selected to attend by their command master chiefs, representing the best the strike group had to offer.

"We wanted to show the Sailors who returned back to their homeport in Yokosuka that there was a support group in the American and Japanese communities who wanted to show their appreciation, and that's what this is all about," said Fred Harris, Navy League president for the past eight years.

The Sailors were given celebrity treatment, as dozens of children paraded the tables asking for autographs.

"It was a privilege and an honor for me to represent my ship for this event," said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) Brian Godsey from USS Cowpens (CG 63). "I'm honored by the fact that all these folks came out here to show their appreciation for what we have done for America in Operation Iraqi Freedom."

"It was great to be welcomed here by the U.S. Navy League," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW) Sean Brown, also from Cowpens. "I feel we've been honored for the great job that we did serving our country. It's great to see these people outside the Navy who took their time to invite us here to recognize us as being outstanding Sailors."

After a few speeches, the evening really kicked off with a little entertainment provided by Beautiful Storm, a Japanese Taiko drum group.

Taking a moment to remember the two Sailors who didn't return home, Rear Adm. Robert C. Chaplin, commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan, held a moment of silence to honor the two pilots who died during the operation.

At the end of the ceremony, the Navy League held a drawing where 12 Sailors won free dinners at a local steak house. Two Sailors won free round-trip airline tickets.

"I'm very honored to be invited to a ceremony like this," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Celena Pharaon, from USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). "I feel very special to be here tonight, and it's been a once in a lifetime occasion that I'm very happy to have been a part of."

For related news, visit the Commander 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c7f.