Sailors from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka took part in a cultural exchange event in Yokosuka, Sept 18.

The Sailors and local students where brought together for an International BBQ Project, sponsored by the city of Yokosuka and the Japan Tourism Board, and coordinated by local city volunteers and the USO Yokosuka.

According to Fumi Kraker, director of Yokosuka Bilingual School and a Cross Cultural Project leader for Yokosukam for many of the students, this was their first experience communicating in English.

Kraker said that often times learning English in the Japanese education system is not fun. hSe added that she would like the students to enjoy the world with English and encourages the students to see the world in the future.

After introductions the day began with a friendly game of tug-o-war on the beach and then it was time to prepare Japanese Navy-style curry, which is a popular camping and BBQ dish locally. After everyone ate, they explored the island together.

According to Courtney Routley, USO Yokosuka duty manager, the Sailors who volunteered were truly creating memories that will last a lifetime for the students they met.

"We appreciate the continued support and engagement from the Sailors of NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka," Routley added.

The students could not agree more.

"It was so fun. I was able to talk with an American person and cut vegetables together," said Seiya Naka, a 14-year-old student at Buzan JHS. "I could make myself understood in English, which I practice at home with my sister."

The Sailors said that they also came away with an appreciation for the cultural exchange.

"I think it's great that the First Class Petty Officer's Association had the opportunity today to participate in this event. We all had a good time and it seems that the kids did too," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Alexander March, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka command career counselor and First Class Petty Officer Association president. "Many thanks to the USO for setting this up, and I feel confident that community relations and city of Yokosuka objectives were met."

As the day ended the students waved goodbye excitedly while boarding the ferry back to the mainland and the Sailors waved from shore knowing that they made a positive impact in their local community.

"I think this was a very precious experience for me," said Sotaro Nakazawa, another 14-year-old student at Buzan Junior High. "The Sailor was such a good person. Now I want to be able to speak with American people more."

TNAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), is the Western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, headquartered just 26 miles due south of Tokyo, the enterprise networks more than 20 sites from Misawa, Japan, to Sydney, Australia; Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to Guam with a mission to serve the Asia Pacific Region's forward deployed maritime warfighter with around-the-clock logistics support.

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