On August 24, the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV 62) took part in Yokosuka Naval Base's Friendship Day by hosting a general ship's visit in Hangar Bays 1 & 2.
"The most important thing about having a Friendship Day is showing our host country that we are good stewards and that we are good friends," said Captain Mark R. Milliken, Commanding Officer of USS Independence.
Over 25,000 people - Japanese and Americans - visited the ship between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"The Independence is a very big ship," said Masaiuki Yamamoto. "I enjoyed being able to visit it."
Throughout the two Hangar Bays, crew members set up displays depicting their jobs on board Independence, so the visitors could get a taste of what they do.
"The face to face we get with the Japanese is great," said Hospital Corpsman Third Class William Thomas of Laguna Beach, California, who was showing the Medical exhibit. "The people seem to be having a great time."
"We think the ship is big," said Yoko Taguchi and Yoko Tamaru. "We liked it very much."