Fall came early to the Kanto Plain that year. Winter’s cold bite was surely not far off. The new gymnasium, under construction since May, was progressing on schedule. The change of command ceremony held in July had been a success and the command was getting used to the new Commanding Officer – Captain James William Pearson. Kamiseya’s first Bon Odori festival, back in August had been a great success, twenty-one teams competed that year.

Ensign Erwin A. Sharp had been selected by the Armed Forces Writer’s League as the Journalist of the Year! Locally, Mrs. Jerry L. Scarlett took the oath of office as president of the CPO Wives Club and CTC and Mrs. John H. Narvesen’s yard was selected as “Most Attractive Yard this Year” at Kamiseya Gardens housing area. The Pistol Team placed second in the Atsugi “1800” competition.

It was an ordinary day. Watch section one was relieved by watch section two. In turn, section two was relieved by section three and, in turn four relieved three. Day workers came and went. The process had repeated itself over and over. In all respects it was an ordinary day – a Thursday, the date: 23 September 1965.

The Plan of the Day for 23 September 1965 recorded the daily activity of the base. There is an air of peace and normalcy as sailors and their families go about their daily activities.

Source: US NCVA Special Publication, Kamiseya 40th Anniversary Fire Memorial