06/19/2026
Midshipmen 1/C Cannon, 1/C P**e, 1/C McBride, and 2/C Patton recently traveled to Japan through the Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) program, gaining firsthand experience with one of America's key allies in the Indo-Pacific. The trip was led by CDR Masataka Kudo, an exchange officer on staff at the Naval Academy.
During their visit, the midshipmen met with the Superintendent of the Japanese Maritime Officer Candidate School, engaged in discussions on the U.S.-Japan alliance with students from Keio University, and learned the traditional Japanese martial art of Kendo.
Experiences like these broaden midshipmen's global perspective and strengthen the relationships that support international cooperation and maritime security. ⚓