Jones began studying Japanese in October 2019, interested in making the most out of his personal and professional experience while stationed in Japan.

“My first tour in Japan, aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), I made efforts to experience Japan to the fullest,” said Jones. “I was fortunate to be stationed in Japan again, and this time work alongside a more diverse workforce, including my Japanese colleagues and my counterparts in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Learning the language enabled me to take my ‘experience’ a step further.”

Two to three times a week, a local instructor teaches Jones how to utilize Japanese in both personal and professional settings, highlighting the importance of formal and informal speech in the Japanese language. This was accomplished through textbooks and various study materials that extensively focus on vocabulary, grammar and verb structure. Having increased his language skills, some lessons are strictly conversational, where Jones is able to test his ability.

CLREC offers a wide range of training options and support to introduce the basics of foreign cultures and introductory-level language skills to reduce culture shock in theater by establishing understanding and the ability to communicate simple phrases.

“Development and improvement of [the] Navy’s competencies in these critical [language] capabilities will facilitate the quality of our foreign interactions and enable cooperative and collaborative relationships,” said former Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead in 2008.

Over the past year, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka has made efforts to increase bilateral operations with JMSDF. Jones along with his command’s JMSDF liaison has been supporting initiatives, meetings and cultural exchanges between NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka and its JMSDF counterparts.

Jones’ Japanese language skills assisted the command with sponsoring a JMSDF lieutenant as part of the NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka internship program dating back to 1960s. He is also a member of a working group tasked to generate innovative ideas to strengthen interoperability between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy.

Additionally, Jones often uses Japanese to communicate with his colleagues in NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka’s regional services department. Over half of Jones’ department is comprised of Japanese civilian personnel who work in administration, hazardous material management, postal services and household goods management. He reports that using a few sentences in Japanese makes room for clearer communication and also builds on his developing language skills.

“I take note of what I’ve learned from my instructor and I’ll use it with members of my team,” said Jones. “Sometimes my Japanese colleagues are impressed, other times they correct me. So I’m learning in multiple ways.”

Jones attributes some of his Japanese language proficiency to his time spent in lockdown during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited opportunities to explore Japan in conventional sense, he turned to his studies, utilizing textbooks and downloading Japanese language apps to expand his understanding of the language.

“Although I would’ve preferred to explore more of Japan, looking back I think I made great use of the time given the circumstances,” said Jones.

Jones recently passed the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test N5 exam, receiving an official certificate that is recognized internationally and can even qualify for academic credit. With a more advanced exam scheduled in the coming months, Jones intends to ramp up his studies to pass the next exam.

“We find the partnership with our counterparts in the JMSDF to be instrumental,” said Capt. Edward Pidgeon, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka commanding officer. “Through Lt. Jones’ initiative, we are taking this partnership to new heights.”

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and the joint warfighter.