SRF-JRMC Recognizes Retiring Employees During Ceremony
Story and photo by Keiichi Adachi, CFAY Public Affairs


(Center) SRF-JRMC Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Stancy poses for a picture with the four SRF-JRMC retirees. 司令官スティーブン・スタンシー大佐と４名の退職者、監督者が集合写真に納まる。


Keiichi Muramatsu is presented with many colorful streamers by members of the Quality Assurance Office as they gather around him to show their appreciation for his many years of dedicated service to SRF-JRMC. 品質保証部の従業員は長年の貢献に感謝の念を込めた多数の色鮮やかなリボンで村松恵一氏を送り出した。


Masami Shinmei is tossed into the air by members of the Shipfitter Shop while they wish him a fond farewell. 船殻工場の従業員が退職を祝い新明正美氏を胴上げする。

U. S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRFJRMC) bade farewell to four dedicated Japanese Master Labor Contract (MLC) employees during a retirement ceremony held at SRF-JRMC headquarters June 30. SRF-JRMC Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Stancy, SRF-JRMC leaders, along with the retirees’ supervisors and co-workers gathered to celebrate their dedicated service.

“I am very proud to represent the United States Navy and the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka and Japan Regional Maintenance Center in commending these retirees for their many prosperous years of service that have, so significantly, contributed to the peace and security of both Japan and the United States as well as the entire Western Pacific region. These four employees provided a combined 122 years of service to SRF and represent the 22 MLC employees that retired on June 30,” said Stancy.

According to Stancy, each of the retirees made a significant contribution to the outstanding success and reputation that SRF-JRMC has earned over the years and they helped shape the command as it is today.

During the ceremony, Stancy shared, with the guests, highlights from each of the four retirees’ careers. Throughout its history, the SRF-JRMC mission to keep the 7th Fleet operationally ready has remained unchanged. Each of the four individuals that we are recognizing at today’s ceremony has done this exceptionally well, commented Stancy.

Toshiaki Hirose  entered SRF in 1977 as an electrician in the Electrical Shop, where he worked for 33 years.

Nobuo Momose  entered SRF in 1977 as a ship mechanic, where he worked for 32 years and 7 months.

Keiichi Muramatsu  entered SRF in 1981 as an engineering technician in the Quality Assurance Office, where he worked for 28 years and five months.

Masami Shinmei  entered SRF in 1982 as a pipefitter, where he worked for 27 years and 7 months.

According to Muramatsu, he experienced a lot of changes during his 28 years working at SRF-JRMC as the command implemented measures to improve working methods, rules and requirements. SRFJRM will constantly change to meet the command goals and needs to be in compliance with various requirements. “Always keep in mind that safety is first, business second. Keep healthy and please don’t get injured,” Muramatsu said.

According to SRF-JRMC Quality Assurance (QA) Superintendent Hiroshi Aoki, Muramatsu has a lot of knowledge because of his various hobbies such as performing ceramic art, his skill at Japanese archery, and dealing with audio equipment, so that he is always cool and calm when performing his tasks. He has been a supervisor for a long time and has the experience and consideration for other people and is a good decision maker.

“Muramatsu always tried to focus his mind on his people and how to make their jobs easier,” said Aoki. “He often said, ‘Our people spend more time together here at work than they do with their family members, so we should have a good time and share everything we have.’”

Shimei said that he is impressed with the friendship and teamwork between junior and senior employees and that SRF-JRMC workers who are now in their forties are becoming key players and will be the command’s future leaders in the next 5 to ten years. “Tradition and my memories at SRF-JRMC will not be forgotten which will definitely help me in my new endeavors,” Shimei said. “I really appreciate the people who supported me a lot, let’s be careful out there.”

According to Stancy, the retiring employees lived the SRF-JRMC motto, “Nan demo Dekimasu,” (we can do anything) on a daily basis, and that through their dedicated service, they have strengthened the bond between Japan and the United States and directly supported the treaty of mutual cooperation and security that our two countries signed 50 years ago.

“We would like each of you to remain close to SRF-JRMC and visit often,” said Stancy. “To each of today’s retirees, we salute you for your long and faithful service to SRF-JRMC. Your departure will be a great challenge for those you leave behind. It will be very difficult to replace your many skills and your dedication. You have personified the SRF-JRMC motto. Each of you has served skillfully and faithfully for many years. On behalf of the United States Navy, I am honored to thank you for your dedicated service, and I wish you a long, happy, healthy and prosperous future.”