YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The Government of Japan honored Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka (FLCY) Master Labor Contract (MLC) employees with Length of Service Awards during a ceremony held Oct. 19 at the Yokosuka City Cultural Hall.

Japan's South Kanto Defense Bureau Director General Toru Hocchi provided opening remarks at the event.

"The recipients of the award have been working and fulfilling the duties of the United States (U.S.) Forces Japan installations, including Yokosuka navy facilities and Atsugi air base, as engineer, guard, firefighter and cook, making the best of your own stills for many years,” said Hocchi. "Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my deepest respect to you for your daily hard work and endeavors.”

Held annually in Yokosuka, the event recognizes the important contribution of the MLC workforce to U.S. Navy activities in the region. U.S. fleet activities in Yokosuka can be traced back to the Yokosuka Arsenal, which was founded in 1865. At that time, it was transferred back to the new Meiji government and renamed Yokosuka “Zousenjo” or Shipyard.

Yokosuka City Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji touched on the rich history of the U.S. Navy in the area.

“After the war, brilliant personnel from the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal played a major role in the establishment of the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility,” said Kamiji. “Although the arsenal served under different names throughout history, it helped pave the way for Japanese modernization.”

More than 568 recipients were recognized for their decades of service to the U.S. Navy mission in Japan. Of those receiving awards, 16 were NAVSUP FLCY employees.

Juliet Mori, a 20-year service award recipient and NAVSUP FLCY management analysist, said she loves her job working for the U.S. Navy.

“It’s hard to imagine 20 years, but then time flies when you’re having fun,” said Mori. “I try to enjoy my job and be happy doing my work. That’s why it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long.”

Management Analyst Chiyuki Sudo was also recognized for 20 years of service; she said the base provides a good working environment.

“I can’t imagine working at the same place for 20 years, so it must be a really good place to work,” said Sudo. “I remember many fun times, and some tough ones, during my 20 years working on base. Overall, it’s been a good experience.”

The foreign national workers that comprise much of the workforce at FLCY are critical to the ongoing success of the command in the region. The combined knowledge and breadth of experience they share with their U.S. counterparts and fleet customers ensures that the U.S. Navy is able to provide continuity of service to the fleet and support the ongoing safety of its allies in the region.

"Our foreign nationals play a key role in our ability to deliver supply and logistics solutions to our customers," said NAVSUP FLCY Commanding Officer Capt. Frank Nevarez. "As the principal logistics enabler for the warfighter, they are an important part of the team and help ensure we stay at the center of the integrated Navy supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region."