The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Vice Chief of Staff, Vice Adm. Yutaka Murakawa, visited with the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, on Sept. 17 for a review of U.S. Navy fleet and family support programs.

Murakawa spent time touring the child development center at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C., prior to being hosted by Smith at the Washington Navy Yard for the review.

According to Rick Kozlowski, director, Fleet and Family Readiness for Navy Installations Command, the JMSDF wants to explore establishing a fleet and family support organization. The review with CNIC was to provide a better understanding of how the U.S. Navy programs work.

"In particular, the Ombudsman program was discussed at length. That program has proven to be an asset for the U.S. Navy in improving communication between the command and Sailors' families," said Kozlowski. "When Sailors know their families have someone at home looking out for them they are able to be more focused on the mission."

For information on the Navy's fleet and family support programs visit: http://cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.html

For more information about Navy shore installations visit: www.cnic.navy.mil .

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.