MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Provost Marshal’s Office here hosted a visit for approximately 17 visiting Japanese police officials and interpreters from the local Chugoku region to continue building a good working relationship with them Oct. 20.
The Japanese police officials contacted PMO and requested the tour and an orientation of PMO to gain a better understanding of how they operate.
“We’re happy to oblige them because they have an interest in us, and they want to know more about us,” said Maj. Giuseppe A. Stavale, the Provost Marshal here. “It’s just a great opportunity for us to let them know more about what we do and who we are.”
Stavale said the Japanese officials will be able to form their own opinions on how Marines conduct themselves with an orientation and a tour of the station, rather than rely on newspapers and word-of-mouth.
The Japanese police officials’ day here started with a brief outlining PMO’s command structure, jurisdiction and training.
Afterward, they were given a short tour of the PMO building, which included K-9 and special reaction team demonstrations.
Stavale said the Japanese officials will be able to understand how valuable PMO can be to the alliance between the two countries through everything covered during the day.
“As Americans, we value a good attitude, but relationships matter,” said Stavale. “In Japan relationships are everything. Having an opportunity just to plant the seed for a good relationship can pay off in the future when we need to work through an issue.”
The Japanese police officials’ visit here closed out with a short window tour of the station.
“Building a relationship between us and PMO makes resolving whatever issues may arise in the future much easier,” said Masahiro Takaki, a Chugoku Regional Police Bureau regional coordination, 1st section investigator and visiting official. “It will make it easier for us to cooperate better to promote safety around the region.”
Takaki said he appreciated the opportunity to learn a little on what military life aboard the station is like and was impressed with PMO’s capabilities.