Machida Prefecture Troop 1 Visits USS George Washington

January 18, 2012

Members of the Scouting Association of Japan from Machida Prefecture Troop 1 based in Tokyo, toured the Navy’s only full-time forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Jan. 14.

“The most fascinating part of the tour was the flight deck,” said Yasuyuki Yagi, assistant scout master of Machida Troop 1. “The ship is much more massive than we ever expected.”

Machida Troop 1 is the sister troop to Boy Scouts of America Troop 35 located aboard Yokosuka Naval Base.

“It’s a really great opportunity for our sister troop to be able to visit not only the base, but the George Washington as well,” said Chief Musician Scott Lotz, committee chair for Troop 35. “We are all very grateful for the hospitality and the chance to tour the ship.”

George Washington’s First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) hosted the tour by escorting the group and answering questions about the ship and life as a Sailor.

“Opportunities like this help to show that we’re here to interact with the young adults and build a bond that ultimately starts with the youth,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Marlon Bell, the FCPOA President.

Machida Troop 1 consist of both male and female members with the average age being 15. The troop participates in local volunteer opportunities, outdoor activities, and frequent joint camp-outs with Troop 35.

This was the troop’s first time visiting Yokosuka Naval Base.

USS George Washington is currently in port in Yokosuka, Japan. In 2011, George Washington navigated more than 50,000 nautical miles across the western Pacific to operate with more than a dozen different nations. In port or at sea, the “Spirit of freedom” is always ready to execute her next set of orders.

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Naval Today Staff , January 18, 2012; Image: navy