Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan. (December 10, 2023):  When serving thousands of miles from home at this sprawling Navy base, families look forward to Christmas in the Park, a 75-year tradition bringing Sailors and their families together with the local Sasebo community. In this photo by MC2 Quinton A. Lee, Japanese and American families gather at CFAS Nimitz Park to enjoy a night of music, refreshments, and camaraderie. The base is home to 6,000 active-duty personnel, their dependents, and civilian contractors.

One of the most difficult challenges facing military families is how to adjust to different cultures, languages, customs, and surroundings. On the other hand, the chance to meet new people and travel to exotic places is one of the greatest benefits of serving. There are currently over 80,000 American personnel stationed at various bases around Japan which presents a significant chance to share cultures and develop ties that last a lifetime. The Sailors and their families at Sasebo will bring home fond memories of celebrating Christmas with their Japanese hosts.

Fleet Activities Sasebo is located on the island of Kyushu and serves as the Navy and Marine Corps central support facility supporting the forward-deployed forces of the Pacific Fleet. The base is the primary source of ordnance for forward deployed carrier and expeditionary strike groups. Seven Navy ships are stationed at Sasebo including the USS Essex Expeditionary Strike Group. Sasebo also serves visiting operational forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.