MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Sailors from Electronic Attack Squadron 132 spruced up the area around Iwakuni Castle, March 11, as part of a unit community relations project.During the one-hour clean up, the 17 shipmates were responsible for sweeping the area surrounding the castle and picking up litter scattered throughout the historical landscape.“We do community relation projects every where we go,” said Chief Petty Officer Andrew Stack, VAQ-132 quality assurance supervisor and native of Palisade, Colo. “Projects like this are a good opportunity to help the community, socialize and explore the area.”According to Akio Morikawa, head of maintaining tourist facilities and an Iwakuni native, the Iwakuni Castle is one of the biggest tourist spots in Iwakuni, attracting visitors from all over the world. Because of its popularity the historical site must be kept clean.“Whenever we have lots of trash, we have to pay contractors to pick it up,” said Morikawa. “When Marines and sailors help clean up, it is very helpful.”As the sun’s rays broke through the clouds, the sailors split up to cover more ground while looking for trash and sweeping the sidewalks.“During the clean up, we found lots of drink containers, wrappers and to my surprise broken glass and rubber tires,” said Seaman Matthew J. Kievlan, VAQ-132 store keeper and native of Oak Harbor, Wash. “If we didn’t pick up the trash, the area wouldn’t look as good and people could get hurt from the glass.”According to Morikawa, the sailors did an exceptional job in their clean up of the area surrounding Iwakuni Castle.“I didn’t expect the sailors to clean up so nicely,” smiled Morikawa. “I wondered if they would mix up the trash and leaves, but the Americans only picked up the garbage and separated it. I really appreciate it.”Because of the sailors' motivated hard work, they were able to make Iwakuni Castle cleaner for other service members and Japanese civilians to enjoy.“The event was a success,” explained Chief Petty Officer Elaine Green, VAQ-132 administration assistant and native of Waycross, Ga. “Events like this keep a friendly atmosphere with the community and show them that we are friendly Americans, just like they are known to be friendly.”“Our effort lets Japan know we are not here as outsiders, but part of the community,” added Kievlan.