An hour away from here at a park, three mountains covered in foliage and greenery rise high above the tree lines called Three Peaks.
Japanese locals and station residents often visit the park to relax and enjoy the quiet sounds of wildlife, or challenge themselves with the arduous climb to the top of the peaks and afterward to take in the scenic view from the top.
According to the caretaker of the park, many people consider it a place to find peace and solitude among nature.
Marines of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 have been visiting the park for the past few months to help maintain Three Peaks’ grounds, while enjoying the area.
Marines armed with mops, brushes and trash bags have been coming to the park for the past three to four months to paint over the graffiti left on the walls by previous visitors.
Cpl. Raymond Vanwey, the assistant deputy family readiness officer with MALS-12, said the caretaker of the park appreciated the positive work that the Marines have been doing. Marines who aided in the cleanup of Three Peaks stressed the importance of maintaining relationships between Marines and Japanese locals.
“Making good relationships with the people out in town is important,” said Lance Cpl. Neil Surati, an aviation ordnance man with MALS-12. “We are guests here like if we were coming to somebody’s house. It’s good to be polite, respectful and courteous to other people in how they do things around here.”
Marines arriving at the park May 14 saw the previous months’ labors bore fruit as there was little trash to pick up.
After a day of cleaning, MALS-12 Marines began the strenuous hour hike to the top of the peaks.
A few Marines stumbled and fell without hurting themselves on rocks and struggled to keep a good footing on the rocky terrain.
The Marines’ labored breathing increased as smooth trails gave way to rocky paths and steep inclines covered in shade by the surrounding trees.
Laughing through strenuous gasps and with sweat streaming down their faces, Marines made their way to the top of the peaks and were able to take in the scenic mountainous view before them.
After resting a bit and enjoying the view of the village below, Marines began making their way down the mountain to return back to the station.
On the bus ride back, Marines began making plans to return back to the park.
“It was fun,” said Sgt. Dennis Laferty, the section 4 logistic chief with MALS-12. “The Marines got to see there was more to Japan than just living on the base.”