Region Legal Service Office Japan’s Legal Assistance Office in coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) hosted a naturalization ceremony at the Chapel of Hope in Fleet Activities Yokosuka, April 27. Twenty-eight candidates, consisting of nine active duty and 19 dependents from 10 different countries, were naturalized.
Candidates were from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps., and U.S. Air Force. Lt. Bobby Martin was the Master of Ceremonies, with USCIS staff delivering the oath of allegiance and handing out certificates. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, was the guest speaker. Chiarotti surprised the audience by sharing his personal account of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Originally from Italy, Chiarotti left after being drafted to join the Italian military. He came to the U.S., was naturalized, and decided it was his civic duty to serve his new country; he has now served 32 years. Following the naturalization ceremony, U.S. Embassy representatives were available to accept passport applications from the new citizens.