Sailors stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, and their family members, shared Halloween candy with local schoolchildren and gave them an opportunity to practice their English, Oct. 27.

The Sailors and their family members dressed up in Halloween costumes and gave candy to more than 100 elementary schoolchildren while visiting two after-school care centers sponsored by the city of Misawa.

The children were receptive and excited upon seeing the Sailors show up in both costume and uniform. Each child said "trick or treat" as they approached each Sailor or family member, and said "Happy Halloween" after receiving candy.

"I've never experienced a Halloween event like this one in Misawa. It was a blast," said Chief Damage Controlman Alberto Rodriguez, from Bronx, N.Y. "We gave candy away while dressed up in costumes, and it was also an educational opportunity for the kids to communicate with us using the English that they have been learning."

The candy was donated by Navy Misawa's Chief Petty Officers Association and the Sailors who participated in the event.

The event was a success and Naval Air Facility Misawa plans to do a similar event during the winter holiday season.

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visit http://www.navy.mil/.