US Navy (USN) Captain (CAPT) Thomas Parker (center), Commanding Officer (CO), USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), accompanies CAPT Akira Aoki (right), CO, Japan Defense Ship (JDS) SHIRANE, on a tour of the KITTY HAWK's flight deck. The HAWK and SHIRANE recently participated in a traditional Japanese gift exchange, promoting cultural relations and friendship between the United States and Japanese Navies. The HAWK received two "Kadomatsu," which are traditional Japanese decorations of pine trees and bamboo, placed at the gates of houses and businesses during the New Year season. Currently in port, The HAWK demonstrates power projection and sea control as the USN's only forward-deployed aircraft...

The original finding aid described this photograph as:

[Complete] Scene Caption: US Navy (USN) Captain (CAPT) Thomas Parker (center), Commanding Officer (CO), USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), accompanies CAPT Akira Aoki (right), CO, Japan Defense Ship (JDS) SHIRANE, on a tour of the KITTY HAWK's flight deck. The HAWK and SHIRANE recently participated in a traditional Japanese gift exchange, promoting cultural relations and friendship between the United States and Japanese Navies. The HAWK received two "Kadomatsu," which are traditional Japanese decorations of pine trees and bamboo, placed at the gates of houses and businesses during the New Year season. Currently in port, The HAWK demonstrates power projection and sea control as the USN's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan.

Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

Country: Japan (JPN)

Scene Camera Operator: PH3 Tommy Paul Umholtz, Usn

Release Status: Released to Public
Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files