SEOUL — South Korean police said they’ve arrested an American man on drug charges and operating an illegal tattoo studio from his Itaewon home.

According to the police, the man — identified only as “H” — tattooed about 40 people since arriving on a tourist visa in August. His clients included many U.S. soldiers, police said. They also said he is suspected of smoking marijuana.

While the man is licensed to provide tattoos in the United States, police said, it is illegal for him to give tattoos here in a non-approved facility without a domestic license.

New members named to servicewomen panelWASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Robert Gates named three new members to the Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services.

The committee is designed to act as an independent advisory panel on women’s issues and family-related work force topics.

The returning members on the board are current committee chairperson Mary Nelson, retired Air Force Reserve Col. Vance Shaw, and South Dakota state Sen. J.P. Duniphan. The new members are retired Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Roberta Santiago, of California; Kerry Lassus, of Virginia; and Judith Page O’Flaherty, of Virginia.

Misawa announces Black History Month eventsMISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Base officials announced Thursday events planned this month to celebrate Black History Month. They include:

Gospel Festival, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Officers Club Ballroom. Hosted by the chapel. Followed by a soul food reception/social. Call DSN 226-4630 for more information.“Read to Achieve” throughout the month. Volunteers are needed to read children’s books by black authors to students at Sollars and Cummings elementary schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call DSN 226-2249 or DSN 226-9711 to sign up.Closing banquet, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Enlisted Club ballroom. Guest speaker is Bob Maxwell, an original Tuskegee Airman.Girl Scout cookies on sale at MisawaMISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Girl Scout cookies are on sale throughout February at booths set up Saturdays and Sundays in the foyer between the commissary and food court from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cookies are $3.50 a box. Call DSN 226-4955 to order cookies. All proceeds go back to local Girl Scouts.

Yokosuka wins regional honor for best Navy baseYOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Yokosuka Naval Base’s Homeport Ashore initiative, new fitness center and free wi-fi hotspots cinched its recent nomination to compete against other regional winners for top Commander, Naval Installations Command honors.

Yokosuka received the regional award for Installation Excellence given by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan.

Bases are evaluated on best use of available resources, innovative management, productive work force and quality of life for servicemembers.