The Government of Japan honored Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka Master Labor Contract (MLC) employees with a Length of Service Award during a ceremony held Oct. 20 at the Yokosuka City Cultural Hall.

Of those receiving commendation for their dedicated service, 11 NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka MLC attended the ceremony. Director General of Japan's South Kanto Defense Bureau Toru Hocchi provided opening remarks at the event.

"The recipients of the awards have been working and fulfilling their duties for U.S. Naval Forces, Japan, such as engineers, guards, firefighters, and cooks, and making the best use of their skills for many years," said Hocchi. "I would like to extend my deepest respect to you for your daily hard work and endeavors. I also wish to thank members who have given tremendous support to you through all these years."

Hocchi highlighted historical events occurring at the start of each decade, starting in 1977 and commencing with 2007, the year the 10-year service employees started to work.

"The Japan and U.S. alliance has been progressing according to the changes in the times," said Hocchi. "You all have played roles to help form a better relationship between the two countries."

NAVSUP Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffery Davis was present during the ceremony to show support to the MLC workforce.

"A key to FLC Yokosuka's ability to support the warfighter is the hard work and loyalty by members of our MLC workforce. These professionals provide essential continuity and experience that ensure we can meet the many demands of forward deployed forces in the dynamic Pacific Region," said Davis. "A significant number of our employees have been with the organization more than 30 years and are truly a cornerstone of our organization, enabling mission execution that is vital to our customers. I'm proud to have them as a part of the team."

More than 559 recipients received recognition for their 10-year, 20-year, 30-year and 40-years of faithful service to the U.S. Navy mission in Japan.

In a prepared statement, Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji applauded the hard work of the employees.

"I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all recipients of the Length of Service Award who have been working on U.S. Naval facilities such as U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Naval Air Facility Atsugi for many years," said Kamiji. "Without a doubt, the only reason we have come as far as we have is because of the accumulation of all of the hard work of those in attendance today."

Hiroyuki Takeuchi, a 10-year service commendation award recipient and NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka contract specialist, said it was his desire to work on base and engage with many different people that drew him into MLC service.

"I am very proud to be working at NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka," said Takeuchi. "I hope to keep working the way I have been so that someday I can come back and attend the 20-year ceremony."

The Japanese workers that comprise the MLC workforce are critical to the ongoing success of commands in the Asia Pacific region. The combined knowledge and breadth of experience they share with their U.S. counterparts and fleet customers ensures that U.S. Navy is able to fulfill its commitment to the taxpayer, provide continuity of service to the fleet and support the ongoing safety of its allies.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS). Headquartered just 26 miles south of Tokyo, it is the western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, networking more than eight nations and 14 sites with a mission to deliver supply and logistics solutions that enable deployed maritime warfighter readiness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for naval forces including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.



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