JUMP Pensacola

December 3, 2022 , 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (America/New York)

On December 3, Sasakawa USA’s Japan US Military Program (JUMP) held an event, “The Eighth Annual Japan US Military Program: U.S.-Japan, A Strategic Alliance for Ensuring Regional Peace and Security,” at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL, in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, the National Association of Japan-America Societies, and the Embassy of Japan. This event featured remarks on the U.S.-Japan security alliance from Vice Admiral John Bird (USN, Ret.), Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad (USN, Ret.), Captain Hiroyuki Sano (JMSDF), and the Hon. Kazuhiro Nakai, Consul General of Japan in Miami. Remarks highlighted the increasing aggression and challenges posed by the PRC and what the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka is doing to increase preparedness and joint operability in the situation of a Taiwan contingency. The importance of grassroots activities in reaching members of JUMP in Pensacola was also emphasized.

Prior to the featured remarks, members of the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida displayed table presentations of U.S. bases in Japan. Members engaged with event guests to share their favorite moments from their time spent on base as well as to explain cultural details specific to that region of Japan, which may be lesser known.

An exciting taiko performance by Marco Leinhard closed the first segment of the event. Following the performance, a reception followed on the Museum USS CABOT flight deck, which featured a sampling of Japanese sake and cuisine. Event guests mingled and networked to reminisce on their time serving in Japan and to strengthen people-to-people relationships that enforce the mission of JUMP.

This JUMP event was a joint effort by Japan America Society of Northwest Florida, National Association of Japan-America Societies, the Embassy of Japan, and Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA.

JUMP continues to serve as a national program to connect past and present service members, families, and government civilians who have served in Japan through social networks and grassroots events. JUMP is the only national program to do so, providing a powerful foundation for sustaining the alliance between the United States and Japan.