Midshipman Send-Off at the Japanese Embassy

April 25, 2019 , 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (America/New York)

On April 25, JUMP hosted an informational booth at a send-off event organized by the Japanese Embassy for graduating students from the United States Naval Academy and other D.C. area schools. The event was hosted by Captain Takuro “Rocky” Koroki, the Naval Attache at the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with Rear Admiral Will Pennington. The event took place in the beautifully restored Old Residence and featured speeches from the organizers, a wonderful sushi dinner, and the opportunity for these graduates to network with mid-level and senior officers.

Mdn. Monika Gyalay and Mdn. Chun Chun Waskin are going to be stationed on the U.S.S. Milius in Yokosuka.

Twenty-seven midshipmen attended the event and shared with the audience why they chose Japan for their first posting. Many of the students expressed an admiration for Japanese food or culture, but several of them had family connections to Japan as the children of service members who had served there. Many of the graduates will ship out sometime this summer. Give them all a warm welcome if you see them!

Our participation gave JUMP staff the opportunity to meet these midshipmen, answer their questions about living in Japan, and introduce them to the JUMP communications network. As future JUMP members, it was great to hear their thoughts on moving overseas and their motivation for choosing Japan.

Attendees were encouraged to follow JUMP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

JUMP connects past and present service members, families, and government civilians who have served in Japan. If any of the midshipmen did not have the chance to sign up during the event, join the JUMP network by signing up for the JUMP Newsletter.