Navy officials plan to unveil six markers Friday on Sasebo Naval Base that will honor historical buildings and places, according to Sasebo’s public affairs office.
The sites range from Fleet Landing to a garden to India Basin and are meant to remind visitors of Japanese and U.S. naval history on the base, according to spokesman Chuck Howard.
“The motivation behind it was to honor the base, the city and generations of the sailors spanning almost 125 years of history,” said Howard, who spearheaded the project along with Phil Eakins, who tracks the base’s history as a hobby.
The six markers, their installation and the accompanying brochure cost about $40,000, Howard said. The brochure — in English and Japanese — explains the significance and location of each site. The brochure can be picked up at the base travel office.
“We just feel it’s money well spent. It pays respect where respect is due,” he said. “Those before us care deeply for the land and they managed it superbly. From a naval planner point of view, they did a great job.”
Howard said he hopes for enough interest to arrange a monthly or bimonthly walking tour for base visitors. In the meantime, the brochure will be available Aug. 5, in time for Sasebo’s open base day, in conjunction with the city’s Seaside Festival, Howard said.
Here’s a look at the sites where the markers will be unveiled:
