Recently, USS Independence had the unique honor of welcoming aboard the highest uniformed officer in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Adm. Kazuya Natsukawa.

He is the equivilent of our own Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jay Johnson. Complete with honors, Adm. Natsukawa visited Indy for just one day, which included lunch with Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet, Rear Adm. Charles Moore, and a tour of the ship.

JMSDF's Chief of Staff was formally educated at the National Defense Academy, the Maritime Self Defense Staff College, and the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. (1976-77).

He has served in many different positions throughout JMSDF over a number of years. Adm. Natsukawa has been instrumental in the continued partnership between the United States' and Japan's defense forces.

Adm. Natsukawa has been nominated to be the next Joint Staff Council Chairman.

The rest of his visit on board Indy while operating west of Honshu included an air power demonstration by Carrier Air Wing FIVE and a presentation of gifts.