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MAKE PLANS FOR FUTENMA FEST PAGE 3 Zakimi Beach

TEST YOUR SPORTS STRIPESKNOWLEDGE SPORTS WITH STRIPESTRIVIA SPORTS TRIVIA PAGE 7 Military community gathers funds to rebuild Page 2 GO SAVORY OR SWEET AT BREAKFAST SPOT Mari Gregory presents Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki with more than $11,000 in donations for the restoration of Shuri Castle on Feb. 6. Photo by Aya Ichihashi, Stars and Stripes PAGE 8 2 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020 Marine spouse raises $11K to help restore Shuri Castle

BY AYA ICHIHASHI, Max D. Lederer Jr. STARS AND STRIPES Publisher Published: February 6, 2020 Lt. Col. Richard E. McClintic Commander AHA — A Marine Corps Joshua M Lashbrook spouse who raised more Chief of Staff than $11,000 through a Chris Verigan N Engagement Director GoFundMe campaign gave the Marie Woods money to Okinawa’s Publishing and Media Design Director Chris Carlson on Feb.6 to help restore Shuri Publishing and Media Design Manager Castle, a landmark destroyed Eric Lee Advertising and Circulation Manager by fire Oct. 31. Scott Wheeler More than 200 people, mostly Okinawa Area Manager U.S. military members and their Kentaro Shimura Production Manager families serving on Okinawa or Rie Miyoshi who had served there previ- Engagement Manager ously, as well as Okinawans liv- Denisse Rauda Publishing and Media Design Editor ing in the U.S., gave to the fund, Publishing and Media Design Writers said Mari ChiHon Kim Shoji Kudaka EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM: Gregory, 41. Takahiro Takiguchi She and her Layout Designers Yukiyo Oda husband, Yuko Okazaki Maj. Indigo Kayoko Shimoda Multimedia Consultants Gregory, 44, of Marine Corps Max Genao Doug Johnson Base Quantico, Va., were sta- Brian Jones Jason Lee Hans Simpson Chae Pang Yi tioned at Camp Courtney, Oki- Gianni Youn Robert Zuckerman nawa, until summer 2019. Graphic Designers Kenichi Ogasawara Yosuke Tsuji “Through the fundrais- People watch as firefighters work a blaze at Shuri Castle in Naha.Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes Sales Support ing, I’ve really felt how much Kazumi Hasegawa Hiromi Isa Ichiro Katayanagi Yoko Noro people love Okinawa,” Mari demonstrated through the fun- Shuri Castle, which dates to 2:21 a.m. Oct. 31 and burned Yusuke Sato Chae Yon Son Saori Tamanaha Toshie Yoshimizu Gregory told Stars and Stripes draising that people literally the 15th century, was destroyed for more than 11 hours. A total before the presentation. “And from around the world donated during World War II and rebuilt of 171 firefighters responded, For feedback and inquiries, even if you don’t live in Oki- because they want to see the in 1992. It was considered a but the fire consumed several contact [email protected] nawa, Okinawa still stays with castle to be rebuilt and they symbol of Okinawa’s struggle buildings, including the castle’s To place an ad, call DSN 645-7419 you in your heart wherever you love Okinawa just as much as to recover from World War II. iconic main hall, called the Se- stripesokinawa.com/contact go in the world. And it’s been everybody else.” It was reported ablaze at iden. FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES OKINAWA 3

Lance Cpl. Joshya Hulse, right, an air traffic control trainee with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, competes against an opponent during an open wrestling tournament at the Semper Fit Gym on Feb. 1, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Futenma the place to be March 14-15

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nce again, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is going to be a stage for live entertainment, cool-looking cars, O and fireworks. Futenma Flight Line Fair is coming back to the Marine Corps facility on March 14 and 15. Following last year, one of the biggest features will be a car show where gearheads on the island will proudly exhibit their unique cars. Tactical vehicles of the Marine Corps and Squadron 466, defeats his opponent. Maj. Kelly Attwood, an executive officer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Ground Self-Defense Force will be on display as well. Headliners are yet to be announced, but there be will lots of live music, games, and festival foods. The fun-packed festi- val will culminate with fireworks on Sunday evening. Make plans to get out and have a good time on the Futenma flight line!

DATE: Mar. 14 and 15 (Sat. and Sun.) TIME: 1 – 9 p.m. (both days) is the same with wrestling be- a unique chance to compete and *Open to SOFA status and Japanese citizens. cause it is just you out on the build relationships with other STORY AND PHOTOS BY *More details to be announced by MCCS LANCE CPL. KARIS MATTINGLY, mat,” he said. military members. MARINE CORPS INSTALLATIONS PACIFIC The event served to bring “During the tournament I Okinawa (https://www.mccsokinawa.com/) communities together for a day made a lot of new friends, talked MARINE CORPS AIR STATION to show off one’s athletic ability to a lot of different people and FUTENMA – Members of the lo- and talents against participants just kind of rolled around and cal and U.S. military communi- in some friendly competition. had a lot of fun,” said Slater. “The ties attended an open wrestling ICs CORN “MCCS holds various sport thing with wrestling and being in COM ER tournament at the Semper Fit events for military person- the Marine Corps is people who Gym on Feb. 1 at Marine Corps nel, families, and civilians to are around you have the same Air Station Futenma. strengthen the camaraderie mindset. It’s just so easy to con- Hosted by Marine Corps Com- with the opportunity to compete Tourney pushesnect with them, talk to them and munity Services, the event was against one another,” said Jon have a good time. The things we open to participants island-wide Durrett, the sports coordinator 16 and older. for MCCS. are provided with by MCCS are “Wrestling teaches me a lot “Individual awards are given awesome, and I am very grateful wrestlers to theirto them limitsfor hosting these events.” about life and how to be a better to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Marine,” said Lance Cpl. Bren- competitors in each weight class The mission of MCCS is to nan Slater, a native from Norwich because it gives them a sense of make Okinawa home by provid- New York, and a motor transport accomplishment,” he said. ing a premium yet cost-effective operator with 9th Engineer Sup- The tournament pushed ath- menu of Quality of Life programs port Battalion. letes to their limit with an op- and services designed to meet “In life you have to work hard portunity to show it off on the the needs of Marines and their to achieve what you want, and it mat. MCCS brought the athletes families. 4 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020 File photo up the sun ak a’s beaches set to open So Okinaw soon BY SHOJI KUDAKA, STRIPES OKINAWA

hen March rolls around in Okinawa, beach season will be right around the corner. W It’s time to go surfside and celebrate the beach openings. Some are resort-oriented while others offer a quiet environment to enjoy nature. You may say this subtropical island has several beaches open throughout the year. However, who would not want to celebrate the return of beach party fun to the island? Let’s check out the best spring break beaches that Okinawa has to offer.

1. 6. MARCH 4: Home to water activities such as ocean park (water obstacles), sea kayaking, jet APRIL 10: A beach adjacent to American village. A popular spot for families and couples. This skiing, and more. is also a good place to hold a beachside BBQ party under tent. MARCH 22: Water obstacles can be used for free on this day. n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Subject to change) n PARKING FEE COSTS: 1,500 yen (Free parking offered until Mar. 22) n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. n TEL: 098-936-8273 n WEBSITE: http://www.uminikansya.com/ (SubjectANA to change) INTERCONTINENTAL n TEL: 098-966-1211 MANZAn WEBSITE: BEACH https://www.anaintercontinental- RESORT: SUNSETn GPS BEACH: COORDINATES: N 26.314209, E 127.755104; 10 minute drive from Camp manza.jp/en/ n GPS COORDINATES: N 26.508345, E 127.856803; 40 minute Foster and Kadena Air Base. drive from Camp Foster. 7. 2. MARCH 29: A popular beach on Ikei island. Water activities such as fly MARCH 17: Open throughout the year. A ceremony board, banana boat, and boat tubing are available. This beach is open will be held on March 17 to pray for safety. Water throughout the year. There will be ceremony on March 29 to celebrate activities such as banana boating, snorkeling the beach season’s arrival. n tour, zip lining are available. ADMISSIONIKEI BEACH: FEE COSTS: 400 yen for adult (middle school student and above), 300 yen for ages between elementary school student and n PARKINGSHERATON FEE COSTS: OKINAWA 500 yen per SUNMARINA hour (2,000 RESORT: n yen at most between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) n OPEN: 8:30 5 years. Free for 4 years old and below OPEN: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. n WEBSITE: http://www.ikei-beach.com/ n GPS COORDINATES: N a.m. - 5:30 p.m. n TEL: 098-965-2222 n WEBSITE: https://sheraton-okinawa.co.jp/en/ 26.388176, E 127.991146; 30 minute drive from White Beach. n GPS COORDINATES: N 26.462274, E 127.811721; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster. 8. APRIL 1: Adjacent to Expo Park, this beach dazzles visitors with its emerald 3. green and cobalt blue. n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Apr. - Spt.), - 5:30 MARCH 4: Water Land (obstacle courses) p.m. (Oct.) n TEL: 0980-48-2741 n WEBSITE: http://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/ will be open on the same day. This beach inst/75 n GPSEMERALD COORDINATES: BEACH: N 26.698680, E 127.877759; 90 minute drive from is home to other activities such as Camp Foster. parasailing, sea kayaking, jet-skiing, boat tubingKARIYUSHI and more. BEACH: 9. n ADMISSION FEE COSTS: 550 yen for 13 years old and above, 330 for APRIL 5: A resort beach home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as ages 4 -12, free admission for 3 sea kayak, banana boat, and boat tube are available. There will be a beach opening years old and below. n PARKING ceremony on April 5 with entertainment such as Eisa dance performance. FEE COSTS: Free parking available n PARKING FEE COSTS: - 500 yen n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (- 7 p.m. for July and Aug.) n TEL: at Okinawa Beach Resort Ocean 098-850-1139 n WEBSITE:CHURA-SUN https://churasun-beach.com/?page_id=44 BEACH: n GPS COORDINATES: Spa. Visitors need to inform at N 26.157011, E 127.647582; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster. Close to Naha Air Port. the location that they’ve come for the beach. n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 10. (subject to change) n TEL: 098-052- LATE APRIL: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma and a good spot to have a beach BBQ party 4093 n WEBSITE: http://www.kariyushi- at. Water activities such as boat tube and banana boat are available. beach.co.jp/ n GPS COORDINATES: N n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Subject to change) n TEL: 090-4471- 26.531873, E 127.930195; One hour drive 0581 n WEBSITE: http://www.ginowantropicalbeach.jp/ n GPS COORDINATES: N 26.281693, E from Camp Foster 127.731746;TROPICAL 10 minute BEACH: drive from MCAS Futenma. 4. 11. MARCH 29: Water activities such as obstacles courses, parasailing, and flyboard are available. MARCH 29 (Subject to change): Beautiful beach on Nakijin peninsula. Water activities such n ADMISSION FEE COSTS: 1,500 yen for 12 years old and above, 500 yen for children (ages as jet ski, sea kayak and boat tube are available. 5-11), free admission for 4 years old and below n PARKING FEE COSTS: Included in admission n FACILITY USAGE FEE COSTS: 300 yen n PARKING FEE COSTS: 500 yen n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 fee n TEL: 0980-55-8880 n WEBSITE: https://www.kanucha.jp/en/ p.m. n TEL: 098-056-2767 (hotel) n WEBSITE: https://www.belparaiso.com/lang/english.html n GPSKANUCHA COORDINATES: BEACH: N 26.546250, E 128.077198; 20 minute drive from Camp Schwab n GPSUPPAMA COORDINATES: BEACH: N 26.691507, E 127.992152; 90 minute drive from Camp Foster.

5. 12. APRIL 1: Home to water activities such as banana boat, parasailing, flyboard and more. TBD: A popular beach on Motobu peninsula. This beach boasts of beautiful views of Ie Island Discount for marine activities is scheduled to be offered on April 5. and Motobu Peninsula. n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. n TEL: 098-958-5000 (for info on water n ADMISSION FEE COSTS: Free n PARKING FEE COSTS: 1,000 yen n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. activities) n WEBSITE: https://www.daiwaresort.jp/global/okinawa/feature/1024857/index.html (- 5:30 p.m. for July through Sept.) n TEL: 098-047-7000 n WEBSITE: http://www. (waterZANPA activities) BEACH: n GPS COORDINATES: N 26.435686, E 127.715952;15 minute drive from Torii sesokobeach.jp/SESOKO n BEACH: GPS COORDINATES: N 26.650026, E 127.856139; 90 minute drive from station. Camp Foster. FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES OKINAWA 5

p the sun A quick getaway toTorii Beach k u eaches set to a a’s b open BY SHOJI KUDAKA, STRIPES OKINAWA o Okinaw soon S lthough Torii Station may not stand out when comes A to its size and the number of servicemembers it hosts, the small Army base is home to a beachside recreational area that will leave a big smile on your face: Torii Beach. Whether you’re a family look- ing to play in the water and picnic, or a group of friends in the mood to camp, play a little volleyball Photo by Aya Ichihashi, A Stars and Stripes. k and unwind, Torii mas Beach is the perfect TEL: 098-962-4659 a location. DSN: 644-4659 with family and friends, b Located in the west a ! NOTE: Facilities and equipment available for use include cabins or unit parties. r kel part of the installa- (up to 6 people), pavilions, camp sites, bonfire pit, inflatable Although events like G or tion, beach access bouncers, ocean kayaks, grills, surfboard and more. the Torii Beach Summer n 6. from Torii’s main FACEBOOK: facebook.com/toriimwrokinawa/ s Party Series and Ghost gate is very simple. Torii Beach d APRIL 10: A beach adjacent to American village. A popular spot for families and couples. This FOR MORE INFO: torii.armymwr.com/programs/torii-beach on the Beach can draw a All you need to do n wa’s is also a good place to hold a beachside BBQ party under tent. big crowd, this secluded ina is go straight down a Ok n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Subject to change) is available. e the hill, make a left at the end, and location always gives off lor ld n TEL: 098-936-8273 n WEBSITE: http://www.uminikansya.com/ Lining up along the long stretch p wor you should be close to the beach’s a relaxed vibe. It’s a great place to Ex ter SUNSETn GPS BEACH: COORDINATES: N 26.314209, E 127.755104; 10 minute drive from Camp of white sand are cabins, a camp- wa entrance in less than five minutes. run along the shore, read a book or us Foster and Kadena Air Base. ground, pavilions, a water slide fit lo Passing by sugarcane fields, the sit alone enjoying the peaceful view. rve ocean blue and white beaches come for kids of all ages and shower and Just a 20-30-minute drive away a bathroom facilities. MWR Torii has from Gate 1 of Kadena Air Base, m 7. into sight. It’s beautiful and peaceful, the perfect place to get away from you covered with any camping, grill- Torii Beach offers a quick getaway MARCH 29: A popular beach on Ikei island. Water activities such as fly STRIPES OKINAWA board, banana boat, and boat tubing are available. This beach is open the daily grind. And, yes, if you can’t ing and water sport gear rentals, so it from the ordinary. throughout the year. There will be ceremony on March 29 to celebrate go without your mobile devices, WiFi is the perfect place for beach parties [email protected] f you are on the island of Okinawa, you the beach season’s arrival. have the opportunity to see world-class n ADMISSIONIKEI BEACH: FEE COSTS: 400 yen for adult (middle school student I reefs in crystal clear water. And you can and above), 300 yen for ages between elementary school student and explore this marvelous water world with a 5 years. Free for 4 years old and below n OPEN: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. mask, fins and snorkel. Once you learn how n n WEBSITE: http://www.ikei-beach.com/ GPS COORDINATES: N White Beach to snorkel properly, it could become your fa- 26.388176, E 127.991146; 30 minute drive from White Beach. Replenish and rejuvenate at vorite hobby during your stay on Okinawa. I guarantee that your encounters with all the 8. marine species will be a lifetime experience. I’ve had opportunities to dive and snorkel APRIL 1: Adjacent to Expo Park, this beach dazzles visitors with its emerald BY SHOJI KUDAKA, in Hawaii, the Great Barrier Reef in Austra- green and cobalt blue. STRIPES OKINAWA lia, La Paz, Baja Calif. and some islands in n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Apr. - Spt.), - 5:30 Thailand and Indonesia. But honestly, Oki- p.m. (Oct.) n TEL: 0980-48-2741 n WEBSITE: http://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/ hite Beach Naval Facility nawa is my most favorite place to snorkel inst/75 n GPSEMERALD COORDINATES: BEACH: N 26.698680, E 127.877759; 90 minute drive from is not just for ships mak- because of the amazing colorful coral and Camp Foster. W ing port calls to replenish countless tropical fish. There are many easy their food supply and load up troops. entry spots with shallow reef areas (5 to 30 The U.S. base is also a great place feet) and dynamic drop offs. Water visibility 9. for servicemembers and families to is extremely high and on any given day, the APRIL 5: A resort beach home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as enjoy some recreation and rejuvena- sky is as clear as the water. sea kayak, banana boat, and boat tube are available. There will be a beach opening tion on Okinawa. And if you’re lucky, you’ll also have the op- ceremony on April 5 with entertainment such as Eisa dance performance. Located around the tip of Katsuren portunity to swim along with turtles, manta n PARKING FEE COSTS: - 500 yen n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (- 7 p.m. for July and Aug.) n TEL: Peninsula, White Beach features ful- ray and various types of reef sharks. You can 098-850-1139 n WEBSITE: https://churasun-beach.com/?page_id=44 n GPS COORDINATES: CHURA-SUN BEACH: ly-furnished log cab- literally spend hours floating over Okinawa’s N 26.157011, E 127.647582; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster. Close to Naha Air Port. Photo by Shoji Kudaka ins located on a bluff endless coral heaven. in the middle of the B facility. The view is TEL: 098-954-1877 10. and drinks can count on Here are a couple places I recommend beautiful and the cab- DSN: 622-1877 LATE APRIL: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma and a good spot to have a beach BBQ party Skoshi Mart for a quick for snorkeling while on Okinawa Island: ins are only a short HOURS (RESERVATIONS DESK): Mon. - Fri. : 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at. Water activities such as boat tube and banana boat are available. replenishment. Plus, there ★ Cape Maeda, in the center of Okinawa, is walk to the beach. FACEBOOK (NAVY MWR, OKINAWA): www.facebook.com/ n PARKING FEE COSTS: Free n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Subject to change) n TEL: 090-4471- are lounge chairs, game the most popular snorkeling spot on island. Camping trailers and NavyMWROkinawa/ 0581 n WEBSITE: http://www.ginowantropicalbeach.jp/ n GPS COORDINATES: N 26.281693, E rooms with slot machines, Many diving shops offer snorkeling tours tent sites located next FOR MORE INFO: www.navymwrokinawa.com/programs/ 127.731746;TROPICAL 10 minute BEACH: drive from MCAS Futenma. White Beach pool tables and computer to this area. There is a wide variety of to the beach are also f9ab0b40-8bb3-4bcb-a21c-4b73b4755ea2 access when you need a marine life, but one of the best parts is a 11. available for rent. timeout from camping. cave you can swim into. If you’re new to Pet lovers, there are nature is well preserved on White There are places out- snorkeling, this is a great place to designated “pet friendly” cabins and MARCH 29 (Subject to change): Beautiful beach on Nakijin peninsula. Water activities such Beach. side the gates of White Beach that start. It also has good facilities – campers available. as jet ski, sea kayak and boat tube are available. For those of you looking to break a people should also check out. There bathrooms, places to eat - at the n n n As you walk around this sprawl- is a paintball facility about a 10-min- FACILITY USAGE FEE COSTS: 300 yen PARKING FEE COSTS: 500 yen OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 sweat, basketball and tennis courts, a site. Swimming can be prohibited n n ing facility, the beauty of the ocean ute drive from the gate, as well as no- depending upon weather. *Current status is p.m. TEL: 098-056-2767 (hotel) WEBSITE: https://www.belparaiso.com/lang/english.html softball field and swimming pool are n and tiny islets sprinkled off the coast table historic sites like the remains indicated on the following website. http:// GPSUPPAMA COORDINATES: BEACH: N 26.691507, E 127.992152; 90 minute drive from Camp Foster. available. draw your attention. The clean, white of a sugar factory located a minute www.maedamisaki.jp/en/ When you get hungry or need a sandy beaches are perfect for tossing away. Odo Kaigan, also known as John Man 12. break from the strong sunshine, take ★ frisbees with friends, building sand Located in a secluded area, is the Beach, near the southern tip of Okinawa TBD: A popular beach on Motobu peninsula. This beach boasts of beautiful views of Ie Island castles with your kids or taking a jog. refuge at Port of Call Club. Having perfect getaway for families and Island, also offers good snorkeling and is and Motobu Peninsula. You’ll also notice local tombs a fresh sandwich at Subway or spicy groups of friends. So take in the less crowded than Cape Maeda. But note n ADMISSION FEE COSTS: Free n PARKING FEE COSTS: 1,000 yen n OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. spread along the coastline of the fa- wings at Wingz@Beach are quick so- scenery, take advantage of the rec- that there are a limited number of free (- 5:30 p.m. for July through Sept.) n TEL: 098-047-7000 n WEBSITE: http://www. cility. Be respectful. And you may lutions for those who don’t feel like reational facilities and rejuvenate a parking spots. sesokobeach.jp/SESOKO n BEACH: GPS COORDINATES: N 26.650026, E 127.856139; 90 minute drive from have the opportunity to come across grilling at their campsites. White Beach. Camp Foster. some curious creatures because For those who run out of snacks [email protected] SEE SNORKEL ON PAGE 6 6 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020 rkel: no afe s Be s

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Here are some of the recommended spots in the Okinawa Island chain. ★ Yonehara Beach, Ishigaki Island: This place has an amazing drop off at the outer edge of the reef. Please note the current is extremely strong at times, so snorkelers and divers should know what they are doing if they venture out a long way from shore. But if you do, you’ll really enjoy the drop off. In this spot I once saw 10 sea turtles in less than an hour. This beach also has a shallow inner reef area for beginner snor- kelers, but there are no lifeguards or jellyfish nets to protect swimmers. Current can be fast and it is advised to exercise caution. A camping site is located right behind the beach, which attracts many backpackers from not only Japan but around the world. It is not family oriented beach, but if you are looking for some wild beach life, this is the place. ★ Nishibama Beach, Hateruma Island: Hateruma Island is the most southern island in Japan. There are so many amaz- ing snorkel spots around this island, which makes it very popular with both single backpackers and families. The water here is a beautiful emerald green. The beach offers a large inner reef for both beginners to experienced snorkel- ers. There is also a 10–15 feet drop off outside the reef for expert snorkelers to enjoy. Don’t miss watching the sunset from this beach because it will be the best sunset of your life. It takes practice and experience to be a good snorkeler. The key is being relaxed, which only comes if you spend a lot of time in water. I recommend practicing in a pool, especially if you are bringing along children. You can all practice clear- ing your mask when water comes into it, controling your fins in the water and breathing through a snorkel properly. Listen, if you are not an experienced snorkeler, I highly recommend taking a snorkeling tour from a local diving shop, which will provide step-by-step instructions. Even if you are an experienced snorkeler, it is good to use local snorkeling tours because guides will brief you on the local fish, landscapes and condition of the area. When I travel to Okinawa to snorkel and dive, I will always make sure I’m aware of the high/low tides, wind conditions and currents. Respect the ocean before entering it. Now, go grab your gear and hit the water.

Don’t ☑ snorkel alone.

Wear a life jacket if you are not ☑ confident in the water.

Check the current and times of tides before ☑ entering. SAFETYAlways rememberTIPS the entry spot and look ☑ back often to check your location. This will help you to recognize if the current is pushing you.

If you are caught up by the current, swim ☑ parallel with the beach calmly until the current settles.

Respect the reef. One of the main threats ☑ Okinawa reefs face is damage caused by humans. Avoiding direct contact with the reef is the first rule of snorkeling.

Stripes Okinawa is A Stars and Stripes Community to remote and isolated locations where overseas DOD Watch out for habu jellyfish and its Publication. This newspaper is authorized for publication personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in ☑ poisonous tentacles. by the Department of Defense for members of the this publication, including inserts or supplements, does military services overseas. However, the contents not constitute endorsement of those products by the Make sure to put on lots of sunscreen. of Stripes Okinawa are unofficial, and are not to be Department of Defense or Stars and Stripes. Products considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the or services advertised in this publication shall be made ☑ U.S. government, including the Department of Defense available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard Drink a lot of water before and after or the U.S. Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital ☑ snorkeling to prevent dehydration. Stripes Okinawa may be distributed through official status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any channels and use appropriated funds for distribution other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES OKINAWA 7

Every sport has those records that are just plain astonishing. Numbers that every time you see them, you wonder how it was possible for a player to accomplish that once, and as far as breaking it? No chance. The NFL record for sacks in a single game is seven. Yes, seven sacks, one guy. Which Hall of Fame linebacker, who was tragically killed after a car crash in 2000, holds this untouchable record?

Stripes Sports TriviaThomas Derrick

Answer Week of 2/24/20 - 3/1/20

The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1 Eyes, poetically 14 15 16 5 Get used to 10 Blue-green hue 17 18 19 14 Castle enclosure 20 21 22 15 Shut out 16 Anagram for 23 24 25 "guns" 26 27 28 29 30 DID YOU 17 Like some evidence 31 32 33 34 35 KNOW? 19 1987 film, "____ Kind of Wonder- 36 37 38 39 ful" 40 41 42 43 20 Don't just stand ver visited the many department store there 44 45

food basements around Japan? The 21 Good person 46 47 48 49 first of its kind was introduced about 23 Held on to E80 years ago in Nagoya. A combination 25 Well-expressed 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 26 "Black-eyed" of “depato,” meaning department store, 57 58 59 legume and “chika.” meaning basement, the word 29 Hollywood 60 61 62 “depachika” was reportedly first used to Hawke 63 64 65 describe these food basements in 2000 31 Garden pests when Tokyu Department Store opened 32 Bearing Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate its own and some newspapers and TV 33 Pea's place programs used the name. 36 Marble feature 4 Ascot fastener 39 Sports no-no's 49 24-Down is one 37 Kind of candle 5 Infomercials, e.g. 41 Fortune teller 51 Field measure 39 Right-minded 6 Certain believer 43 Leave 52 Metal money 40 Cutting tool 7 "Waterloo" weaponless 54 Gerard Butler, 41 Rotisserie rod singers 44 Treeless plain for one 42 Beat to the tape 8 Oil source 46 Charley horse, 55 Facilitate 44 Not so nice 9 Like icy roads e.g. 56 A whole bunch 45 Apprehensive 10 Give, as duties 47 Aussie "bear" 59 Select, with "for" Kanji of 46 Fleming, for one 11 Job estimate 48 Where Goodyear 49 Bygone autocrat 12 Deprive of is headquartered the week 50 Hard-to-read courage Tsuki/Getsu,月 Gatsu (Moon/Month) expression 13 FBI operative 53 Derby prize 18 Trusty mount Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: 57 Retirees' org. 22 Horse of a L A S T A R I A S A C K S 58 Budget-minded certain color O U C H R O M P A L O N E Language Lesson 60 Farm feed 24 "Had been" or O D O R C O P E V A L O R 61 Fresh, as lettuce "had said", e.g. T I R E S O M E P I R A T E 62 Two tablets, 26 Vena ____: S T E A L S L A L O M maybe heart vessel D O L E B A R I S T A Don’t worry. 63 Place for a comb 27 Columnist's page I R K B E R G E N N E A R 64 Basic belief 28 Brainiac B A A S O V E R T G E R M 65 Dinner in a pot 29 Totally drained I S L E T I E R E D P A S Week of 2/24/20 - 3/1/20 30 Even finish S H E L L A C A R E A DOWN 33 Prefix with F O R E S T B R E A D Shinpai shinaide. 1 Epps of "House" graph H O R R I D W I S T E R I A 2 Went horseback 34 Cross to bear A B O U T B I O L T R O T 3 The Crimson 35 Disavow T I T L E A N N A H O L E Tide, familiarly 38 Band follower? E T H E R T E S T A R I D

SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke Difficulty: Medium HOW TO SOLVE: 1 7 9 Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and 6 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must 3 2 9 8 contain the numbers 1 to 9. 3 7 5 Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: 2 3 6 4 1 5 7 9 8 4 5 4 9 8 6 7 3 2 1 1 7 8 2 9 3 6 5 4 8 4 3 7 9 6 5 1 7 2 4 8 3 4 1 3 2 7 9 4 8 1 6 5 8 1 4 3 5 6 2 7 9 2 9 7 6 9 3 5 2 4 8 1 7 9 3 7 1 2 4 5 2 7 8 1 9 3 6 Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate 7 8 1 6 3 9 5 4 2

8 STRIPES OKINAWA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 27 − MARCH 4, 2020

LOCATION: 588 Zukeran, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2317 DIRECTIONS: Located less than a mile from Camp Foster’s Firehouse Gate (Gate 3) as the crow flies. Take a right out of the gate onto s Route 130, then a left onto 330. , e After a quarter mile, take a left at M t k the intersection after Kame Soba o Kitanaka Branch. Mother Coffee will o h a be on your right. Parking is limited, t s c so carpool if meeting friends. he er n HOURS: Open every day except f r Coffee off a Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. r p PRICES: Affordable. Skillet sets start at es y $6.31. All under $8.17. h or DRESS: Casual take sav TEL: 098-923-3723 on ONLINE: mothercoffee.net STORY AND PHOTOS BY MATTHEW M. BURKE, STARS AND STRIPES Published: October 10, 2019 and salad, with jam and sea salt on the cientists believe that pancakes — in side and a beverage. Patrons can choose one form or another — may have from coffee, tea, juice or milk. Sbeen eaten as far back as prehistoric You can’t run a cafe with coffee in the times, so it’s hard to find a fresh take on name and not offer a stellar brew. Mother the universally adored food item. Coffee has all the options you would find Look no further than Mother Coffee in at a corporate chain — hot and cold, and Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa. The small cafe then some. has taken its affinity for Dutch baby pan- The iced caramel macchiato was tall cakes and infused them with something and tasted as good as it looked — frothy truly unique. and not too sweet. Raw brown rock sugar Dutch baby pancakes are baked in per- was available if I wanted it. It was well sonal-sized cast iron skillets, which gives worth the $6.03. them the appearance of a giant Yorkshire Mother Coffee also offers its own blend of coffee for $4.45, a Mother latte for $5.10 pudding or a popover. They are crispy on or a flavored latte for $5.38. A caramel or the outside, fluffy on the inside and come strawberry mocha will set you back $6.03. sizzling, topped with an A cappuccino costs $5.10. assortment of sweet or sa- EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM: years ago, she began to ex- and potato and mochi with spicy cod roe. The cafe also offers an array of teas, vory options. periment. These skillets come with either soup or ranging from $2.78 to $5.38, and various Combine that with fresh She liked how the Dutch salad. fruit juices for $2.78. They offer an ice and locally sourced ingre- baby pancakes rose up The bacon skillet was quite nice. The cream and melon soda for $5.38, banana dients, gourmet coffee and on the skillet sides in the thick cut bacon was not too fatty, had milk for $5.56, blood orange juice for a rustic, artistic ambiance, oven, and the Mother Cof- the right amount of seasoning and came $4.36 and even adult coffees laced with and you might have the perfect foil to the fee staple was born. wrapped up in the cake’s warm embrace. brandy for $6.49. overpriced, corporate coffee chain. On the sweet side of the menu, plain The heaping helping of lettuce and differ- Unlike the owner, I was never a huge Mother Coffee opened in 2015 in what with powdered sugar starts at $6.31. The ent types of peppers inside made me at fan of pancakes, and eating sweets for looks like old U.S. military housing. Less cafe also serves a berry pancake for $7.23, least feel as though I was eating healthy, breakfast is not really my cup of tea. How- than a mile as the crow flies from Camp which comes with different types of ber- even if I wasn’t. A thimble of Japanese ever, by offering savory Dutch baby pan- Foster, the quiet Zukeran neighborhood ries and ice cream, as well as sweet potato salad dressing came as a welcome com- cakes as well as using fresh ingredients, has afforded it much camouflage and or apple caramel for $8.17. plement. Mother Coffee has raised the bar for qual- made it one of the area’s best-kept secrets. All of the savory skillets cost $8.17. Mother Coffee also offers a breakfast ity breakfast and put the corporate coffee The owner, Sakura Uetatsu, said she Mother Coffee offers sausage and veg- plate from 8-11 a.m. for $6.30. It comes chains on notice. was a fan of pancakes growing up and etables, macaroni au gratin, sweet chili with a large perfectly toasted piece of [email protected] had an idea to cook them in skillets. A few teriyaki, thick cut bacon and vegetables white bread with butter, a hardboiled egg Twitter: @MatthewMBurke1