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On behalf of the Government of Japan, the Consul General of Japan in Miami, Kazuhiro Nakai, had the honor of presenting the Decoration of “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” to Keith Henry, former chief of staff and deputy commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in Japan.
The prestigious honor, granted by the Emperor of Japan, is conferred to meritorious Japanese citizens and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions in the promotion of friendly bilateral relations between Japan and foreign countries.
“Keith Henry has made significant contributions to strengthening relations between Japan and the United States in the area of defense for over a decade,” said Consul General Nakai.
“With continuous and long-standing efforts while holding various positions in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Henry has greatly contributed to the fostering of mutual understanding and friendship among stakeholders in the area of defense as well as between both countries at large.”
The conferment ceremony was held at the Consul General’s official residence in Coral Gables in the presence of Henry’s family and close friends.
“I appreciate the Government of Japan as well as Consul General Nakai and his staff in the consulate. It is a great honor to receive the Order,” Henry said.
Henry was dedicated to fostering friendship and goodwill, not only with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, but also with local municipal governments and community leaders in Japan. While stationed in Japan, Henry served as air officer and senior manager on the USS George Washington, Commander of Task Force Integrated Aircraft Missile Defense of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility in Misawa, and chief of staff and deputy commander for the U.S. Naval Forces. Additionally, he participated in coordinating Japan-U.S. joint exercises and in four joint missions in the Asia-Pacific Region.
The U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in Northeast Asia, a partnership rooted in promoting and defending our common values of democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom of the seas, and the international order. As a result, the Alliance as grown in importance and influence for the entire Indo-Pacific region.
