Sailors, civilian employees, and family members from more than 16 commands in the Kanagawa Prefecture joined forces with local Japanese residents to spruce up the Tagoe River, June 18.

The river has an abundance of tall grass filled with natural wildlife.

Helping clean up the Tagoe River is an annual tradition every spring for Americans living in the area. Roughly 200 volunteers, armed with plastic gloves, walked knee deep in the river and helped each other step over the slippery river stones to collect 50 gallons of trash.

This year, participants were treated to a large population of black, white, and multicolored koi fish swimming freely in the river.

Seaman Logan Colwell, from U.S. 7th Fleet, said he felt the need to give back to the community, despite only being stationed here three weeks, emphasizing he wanted to do his part "to show that we respect the people of Japan and maintain the good relationship between two countries."

"As good neighbors living in the same community, we are looking forward to promoting the Japan-America Friendship Exchange while working together to clean the river," Chief Interior Communications Electrician Courtney Tillman told a crowd of Japanese residents at an impromptu opening ceremony.

Vice Mayor of Zushi Atsushi Kashiwamura and committee members of the Tagoe River Project also welcomed and thanked all volunteers for their role in beautifying the city of Zushi and helping the community. Surrounded by rich green nature and low hills, Zushi, which also means "crossroad" in Japanese, is built on a sedimentary plain formed by the Tagoe River.

"Zushi is a very beautiful city," said Michiko Kamioka, community relations specialist for Ikego Heights, a U.S. Navy family housing community nearby. "While we are working, we also further deepen Japan and U.S. relationships and friendships."

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