Yokosuka Night Out Against Crime Heightens Community Awareness
Story and photo by MC3 Andrew Ryan Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Japan


Boy Scouts from Troop 35 compete in a knot tying contest at the CFAY National Night Out Aug. 3. National Night Out is an event designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Sailors and their families participated in National Night Out at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Aug. 3.

National Night Out, celebrating its 27th year, is an event celebrated in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. 

Dubbed as America’s night out against crime, the event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

The Yokosuka 2010 edition featured emergency responders and service members giving others a glimpse of what they do on a daily basis.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to get together and see what activities there are for children, such as scouting,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rome de las Alas, who volunteers his time as Boy Scout Troop 35 scout master. “As a case review committee officer for the base, I think events like these are important so kids get a chance to see all the base has to offer. There are lots of sports and activities available to keep kids busy and active so they don’t get bored and end up getting themselves in trouble.” 

The Fleet and Family Support Center, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 5, Marine Corps Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific and Navy Region Japan Fire Department sent representatives to join patrolmen from base security, local Boy and Girl Scout troops and Yokosuka City police officers to meet with and answer questions for members of the community.

In an effort to keep things interesting, demonstrations and hands-on interaction were added to enhance static displays. Security personnel from base demonstrated how they perform traffic stops and gave a military working dog demonstration. EOD Mobile Unit 5 gave attendees an opportunity to test drive their bomb disposal robot.

Eric Ferrer and his seven-year-old son said they enjoyed the demonstrations.

“It is good they hold events like this on base so kids can have fun while learning about safety,” said Ferrer.