Government of Japan officials honored Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka Master Labor Contract (MLC) employees during a Length of Service Commendation Ceremony, Oct. 23, at the Yokosuka City Culture Hall.

"Congratulations on your many years of service. You all have been engaged in very important duties that are essential to smooth and effective operation in [United States Forces Japan] installations, and I believe that your accomplishments have also been encouraging to each installation," said Hideki Tsuchimoto, director general of Japan's South Kanto Defense Bureau. "I hope you will succeed in your future duties by making full use of your rich knowledge and experience, and will make contributions as a bridge between Japan and [the] U.S. through your daily communication at your workplace."

U.S. Navy leaders echoed similar sentiment and praise for the local national workforce.

"On behalf of the United States naval forces in Japan, I would like to congratulate the employees here for your long and dedicated service to our two countries," said Capt. Steven J. Wieman, deputy and chief of staff, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan. "Our success would not be possible without the distinguished contributions you make each day."

Thirty NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka MLC employees were the recipients of 10-year, 20-year and 30-year service awards that reflected their dedication to the U.S. Navy mission in Japan and the strong bonds forged between Japan and the United States.

"Our highly skilled and experienced MLC workforce helps this command provide timely and efficient logistics support to the operating forces in the Pacific," said Capt. Raymond Bichard, commanding officer, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka. "They often stay with the organization for several decades, providing us with stability and continuity that is beyond measure, and I am proud to work side-by-side with these subject matter experts to better support the warfighter."

Local national government officials shared similar feelings on the hard work of the employees.

"I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all 442 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 Yuto Yoshida, mayor of Yokosuka. "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."

Etsuko Yamaguchi, a 30-year service commendation award recipient and NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka business operations department administrative specialist, said it was the opportunity to work on base in such a large organization and engaging with so many different kinds of people that drew her into MLC service.

"Time flies like an arrow," Yamaguchi said. "I just want to thank the U.S. Navy for teaching me so much over the years and providing me the opportunities for professional growth

As the Western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, headquartered just 26 miles due south of Tokyo, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka executes on a mission to serve the Asia Pacific Region's forward deployed maritime warfighter with 24/7 operational logistics support integrating an extensive service provider network to deliver fuel, material, mail and supply chain services across the U.S. Navy's largest geographical area of responsibility.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.