NSGA Sakata, Japan 1962

Narrative from Jim Horney

I got transferred from NavSecGruLant in Norfolk to Sakata in 1962. After a 30 hour flight from the states to Tachikawa Air Force Base I found myself wandering around the terminal wanting to know where to go. Finally, some airman took pity on me and told me I had to call Kamiseya and they would send a vehicle for me. Once at Kami I had to wait a couple weeks for the monthly courier from Sakata to arrive. I was to travel by train with him back to Sakata. My first night in Sakata I nearly froze to death it was so cold. I learned quickly not to pull the blankets that were tucked under the mattress free. Life at Sakata was like a boy scout camp. We had house boys that made up your rack everyday. Shined your shoes and would for a small tip run down town and purchase anything you wanted. Your ditty bag was emptied frequently and your clothes would come back cleaned, pressed and folded. That included your skivvies. The Sendai tailor came once a month to measure and fit for customed made clothes. The mess hall had japanese waiters (Funo or Cecil) that would take your order and bring your meal to your table. On Saturday and Sunday you could order a drink from the bar (located at the other end of the mess hall) to go with your noon or evening meal. During the summer we would buy a cases of beer and head to the beach, which we were located on and swim and party. It wasn't uncommon for some japanese maidens to join us. They were scared of the "Oki Sempuki" (Big Fan) antenna that they claimed would follow them down the beach. We had our favorite bars like the Aka to Kuro (Red and Black) and others that I have forgotten the names of. Once the whole base was the guest at a Geisha House. It was a night to remember. A number of sailors, including me, volunteered to teach English at the Athena Gakku Languarge Center to the young Japanese children. The Japanese Destroyer ISUZU came into port and invited our sailors and local citizens to go out on a day cruise. I number of our sailors made the cruise. When the based closed I was selected to make the trip to Kamiseya by freight train with all the classified electronic gear. It was a three day trip in a box car. The pictures of the Japanese countryside I'll cherish forever. The only draw back was when we went through tunnels and couldn't close the doors fast enough. Yes, it was a steam engine. I'll never forget Sakata or the Japanese friends I made there. It taught just how great and hospitable these people are. Jim Horney

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