USS George Washington Officer Aids In Rescue Of Mount Fuji Hiker
By MC3(SW) Devon Dow, USS George Washington Public Affairs



Lt. Jay Furman, assistant strike operations officer aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), assisted in the rescue of an 84-year-old American tourist, during his climb of Japan’s world famous Mount Fuji July 8. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jared Hill

A Sailor assigned to USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) assisted in the rescue of an American tourist during his climb of Japan’s world famous Mount Fuji.

Lt. Jay Furman, an assistant strike operator officer aboard GW and Austin, Texas native, assisted Erwin Kuhns, an 84-year-old American tourist, who was also climbing the mountain.

“I did anything that anyone else would have done in my situation on that mountain,” Furman said. “There was someone who needed assistance and I had the abilities to take care of the situation. I was blown away at how appreciative everyone was and have been since that day.”

The avid outdoorsman began his 12,388 foot journey up Mount Fuji July 8. Furman initially planned to begin his journey up the mountain before daybreak, but was not able to begin until noon. “With the ship being in for a few days, I didn’t want to miss the chance of climbing Fuji before we had to return to sea.” Furman reached the summit of Fuji, a feat typically taking five to six hours, in four hours. “It was a gloomy day to climb,” he said. “The weather conditions were not in the hiker’s favor to see any views from the top. It was windy, cold and there was a drizzly haze that would not go away that day.”

On his way down, he came across Kuhns, who had become separated from his son on their way down the mountain. Furman said he noticed the man having difficulties.

“He looked physically worn out,” he said. As Furman began to assist Kuhns back down the mountain he learned that Kuhns was a U.S. Navy Coxswain’s Mate in World War II on a ship ferrying troops to the beaches of Normandy during “D-Day.”

While stationed in Japan, Kuhns climbed Mount Fuji more than 60 years ago and recently returned to climb it again with his son. After carrying Kuhns some distance down the mountain he noticed the sun was setting and the weather was worsening. He realized that he and Kuhns were the only ones left on the trail and that Kuhn’s health was continuing to deteriorate.

“I pulled us to the side of the hiking trail and tried to find shelter due to the blowing and freezing rain at the time,” he said. “Once I did that, I climbed a little crevice nearby to try to get a cell phone signal.”

After not being able to get in contact with park rangers, Furman was able to contact the Navy liaison at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka for assistance. Informing them of his situation, they immediately called the Japanese police and alerted authorities about the men on the mountain. The Japanese police and park rangers arrived to the base of the mountain and began to search for the men.

The sun had set. Hours passed by as Furman assisted in guiding the rescue team to his location by using a hiking trail map, his cell phone, a flashlight and whistle that he had brought along for the hike.

His constant communication with the Japanese rescue team led to the end of his and Kuhns ordeal around 10 p.m. that night. K uhns, now reunited with his son, was sent to the hospital and treated for dehydration and exposure.

Furman, who was graciously thanked for his efforts by the entire rescue team and Japanese police on site, was escorted to the police station to fill out some paperwork.

“When I went to the police station to fill out the report, the police chief asked for my work number,” he said. “At this point, it is 2 a.m. I was thinking ‘OK, like him; he must think that my boss is awake.’”

In a show of cultural respect and appreciation, the police chief called Furman’s commanding officer to thank him personally for Furman’s assistance.

While overseas, U.S. service members serve as ambassadors who are held to an exceptional standard when stationed in host countries and visiting ports-of-call. Furman said his efforts to help Kuhns would not have been possible without the work between himself and the Japanese law enforcement. 

Furman’s climb to the top of Mount Fuji and rescue of a fellow shipmate and World War II veteran is an adventure, Furman said he will long remember.

“Mr. Kuhn’s is an amazing man I’ll never forget,” Furman said about climbing Fuji at 84, “I’d be darned if he didn’t do what he said he would and climb the mountain again at 84 years old. Now that is impressive.”

You know,when I first read this I skipped over 1 word in the title, making this seem like a heck of a different story.

RE: USS George Washington---Aids In Rescue Of Mount Fuji Hiker

That's my neighbor!!!! Plus that is one of my daughters best friends dad!!! Good for him!!!