U.S.Fleet Activities; Base Museum; Sasebo, Japan

A Special Announcement!

June 21, 2002. I am pleased to announce that some of my old photos have been included in a display at the new and improved base museum at U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan.

The museum opened on June 07, 2002. Basically, the museum features the history of the navy base from its beginning in 1889 as Sasebo Naval Station for the Imperial Japanese Navy to the present as U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo. Anyone with access to the base can visit the museum. Admission is free.

There are photos, maps and other items related to the base on display. The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force museum has loaned some old Imperial Navy artifacts which are also on display. One of the goals of the museum is to have all display information written in both English and Japanese for the convenience of local visitors.

I am told that my photos are part of an exhibit which highlights the role of the USMC at Sasebo through the years. The museum is an on-going work in progress. It is the goal of the museum to create new displays highlighting specific events related to the base history and rotate the displays monthly. Anyone wishing to donate or loan artifacts should contact Curator Phil Eakins by email at pdeakins1@yahoo.com

I first learned about the museum when I was contacted by the volunteer curator who found my web page while searching the internet for Sasebo information. The curator is Phil Eakins, a former U.S. Navy journalist and broadcaster. I was pleased to provide Phil with three photos and a newspaper dated October 1945. I am honored that my photos are included among the items on display.

I have posted one of the Sasebo photos at the bottom of this page. It shows me standing beside two abandoned Japanese tanks that we encountered in October, 1945.
Jim DeVine