Employees Honored with Length-of-Service Awards

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Japan Ministry of Defense's South Kanto Defense Bureau (SKDB) hosted its annual Length-of-Service Awards Ceremony for U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) Master Labor Contract (MLC) employees at the Yokosuka City Cultural Hall, Oct. 16.

Kiyohiko Kuribayashi, shop head of the Pipe and Coppersmith Shop at U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC), was among those honored. During his 30 years at SRF-JRMC, he has seen numerous changes and challenges.

"I never dreamed that I would work at SRF-JRMC for three decades, something I could not have done without help from my parents, supervisors and coworkers," Kuribayashi said. "Creating and using documents has changed from typewriters to personal computers. Each day I challenge my shop's workers to be aware of safety at the worksite. My mission is to accomplish all jobs safely, correctly, and on time.

"Promoting flexibility and communication in our daily jobs with my workers is important. Because changes will happen, we must remain positive to be prepared for anything."

Seventy-seven SRF-JRMC MLC awardees were honored at the ceremony for 10, 20 or 30 years of service. Distinguished representatives of SKDB and the U.S. Navy thanked the MLC employees for their dedicated service, before presenting them with their Length-of-Service Awards.

"I congratulate the 546 employees here today on your many years of service. The award recipients have been working and fulfilling their duties at U.S. Forces Japan installations for many years. I extend my deepest respect to your daily hard work and endeavors", said SKDB Director Tatsuo Yamamoto. "I also wish to thank your family members who have given tremendous support to you through all these years. I hope you succeed in your future duties by making full use of your rich knowledge and experience, and continue to contribute to the bridge between Japan and the U.S. through your daily communication in your workplace."

U.S. Naval Forces Japan Chief of Staff Capt. Timothy Faller said, "Your contributions are embedded in every element of our operations. You repair and maintain our ships, you keep our ports and airfields operating, you protect the bases and provide emergency support to those in distress, you facilitate communications, and you support our family members living here in the South Kanto Plain. So, whether you realize it or not, each of you plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in this region of the world.

"As a result of your efforts and hard work, you have earned the reputation of providing world-class services and achieving standards of excellence that are second-to-none and legendary throughout the United States Navy. In fact, your reputation is so well known throughout the Navy, it is not uncommon for U.S. Navy Sailors who have previously served in units operating from Japan, to state they wish they were back in Japan, and often seek to return as soon as possible. On behalf of the United States Navy, I extend our sincere appreciation for your gallant years of outstanding service, and I personally take great pride in continuing to serve alongside you for years to come."

Makoto Hiramatsu, from the SRF-JRMC Continuous Improvement Office, has served 20 years as an MLC. He noted a big process change when he was a painter was the introduction of personal computers (PC). "Before that, we needed to make phone calls to our customers or visit them directly to communicate. With PCs, we can send information faster. Another big change is that the frontline ships I used to work on are almost all gone, and many new ships have come to Yokosuka. I have worked toward trying to challenge something new every day. Without that kind of spirit, I could not have made 20 years."

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