Garrett Nicholas Cole
Garrett Nicholas Cole is a freelance writer and photojournalist, currently based in Japan. Journalism has been his passion since high school and permeates his life to this day.
Since 2006, he has been a military combat correspondent who has produced and published military-related media for national and international audiences.
When it comes to storytelling, his goal stem from his motto that “everyone has a story, I just want to help tell it.” His love for investigative journalism began during a college lecture in which a guest speaker in his journalism class spoke about a story linking the tragic bombings of Oklahoma City to the Taliban in the Philipines. From a young age, he was always fascinated by detective and noir stories about journalists. One could also say that Jimmy Olsen was a bigger influence than Clark Kent. He loved the idea of getting out in the street and abstracting the truth from the muck.
The foundation of his journalism career was built on education received from Department of Defense public affairs-related training. He also holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Hawaii Pacific University, where he was mentored by veteran journalists. He’s covered stories for national and international audiences and has utilized and managed a variety of communication tools, website content management systems, and social media resources. As a military journalist, he’s led dynamic teams, provided mentorship, and covered stories on a wide range of topics. In the civilian sector, he’s had the privilege to write for publications such as Midweek’s Hawaii Marine Newspaper, Bishop Museum, Kaneohe Magazine, and Wasabi Magazine.
In the future, he hopes to travel and tell stories that are not showcased to the rest of the world. Some of his biggest influences are Matt Taibbi, Hunter S. Thompson, Guy Delisle, Joe Sacco, Harvey Pekar, Shane Smith of Vice, and Anthony Boudain. Garrett is married to the love of his wife and father to three boys. In his spare time, he creates indie comic books for his “ColeVerse,” he loves punk rock, and is a huge fan of Arsenal FC.
Intel Shapes the Fight: 552nd Air Expeditionary Wing Drives Success at Red Flag
In modern air combat’s fast-paced, high-stakes world, intelligence is not just an asset. It is the foundation upon which every mission is built. For Major Alex Clawson and his team, Red Flag is more than another exercise. It is a proving ground where intelligence shapes the battlespace, and mission success begins long before takeoff.
Port Dawgs Test Skills and Teamwork in Annual Rodeo
In a high-stakes test of skill, teamwork, and readiness, members of the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron gathered for their annual 72nd APS Port Dawg Rodeo, an event designed to sharpen their abilities in a competitive environment.
JROTC Drill Competition Returns to Base After Two-Decade Absence
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill competition took place on the base, marking a milestone for cadets and organizers who worked to bring the event back to military grounds.
Red Flag exercise prepares the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron for future threats
The sky over Nellis Air Force Base is a proving ground where strategy and precision are put to the test. Red Flag is more than just another training exercise for the airmen of the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron. It is a crucible where tactics are sharpened, mistakes become lessons, and resilience is forged in preparation for an uncertain future.
507th Chief of Staff Launches CGOLD to Forge Tomorrow’s Air Force Leaders
The 507th Air Refueling Wing launched the inaugural Company Grade Officer Leadership Development program on Oct. 20, 2024, designed specifically for the wing’s junior officers. During the event, Lt. Col. Mark Vardaro, chief of staff, spoke about leadership with a craftsman’s care, precision, and purpose. As the architect of the CGOLD program, Vardaro is driven by a clear mission: to shape tomorrow’s Air Force leaders by giving them more than just skills, he aims to provide them with connections, confidence, and resilience.
552nd ACW Airmen Forge a Path Forward at Bamboo Eagle
The heat of the Nevada summer was no deterrent for the Air Force this summer. Bamboo Eagle was in full force, and the 522nd Air Control Wing was in the heart and heat of this massive military exercise. This event is a crucible for airmen to sharpen their skills against the formidable challenges of the pacing threat of tomorrow. Far from routine, this joint venture tests technology and the people behind the machinery—those who will carry the Air Force into its next chapter.
Barracks Craft Nueces (APL 40) Departs Yokosuka
The Benewah-class barracks craft Nueces (APL 40) departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) on Dec. 13, 2023 for a new deployment at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) following 22 years of service in the Miura Peninsula. Her departure echoes with the time-honored maritime blessing, “fair winds and following seas.” She has been a staple, a guiding force seen through decades of service and surpassing nautical traditions. The USS Nueces has been a steadfast presence – a berthing and messing barge like no other.
CFAY to Welcome Aboard the USS George Washington
As 2024 unfolds, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka braces for a year of signi cant change and growth. The centerpiece of this transformation is the anticipated hull swap between the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS George Washington (CVN 73). After eight years of service, the community will bid farewell to Reagan while welcoming back the GW that was previously forward deployed to Yokosuka from 2008 to 2015.
Healthcare Abroad: Navigating the Overseas Suitability Screening
Service members’ and their families’ health and well-being are paramount during forward military deployments. At the forefront of this mission is the comprehensive Overseas Suitability Screening (OSS) process, a meticulous review that is pivotal in ensuring the readiness and safety of military personnel and their dependents for overseas assignments.
Chapel of Hope Lights the Menorah
In September 2023, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka welcomed Chaplain Alex Hamilton as the new Jewish Chaplain, marking the rst time in over three decades that the base had a rabbi stationed at its Chapel of Hope. This historic moment lls a spiritual void and breathes life into the Jewish community on the base.
CFAY Holds 75th International Christmas Celebration
At Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), the holiday season is in full swing, marked by the annual International Christmas Celebration (ICC) at the Chapel of Hope. This year’s event, signi cant for its 75th anniversary of the chapel, continues strengthening the bonds between American and Japanese communities.
SEED Project: Fostering Japan-U.S. Student Friendships in Yokosuka
The Student Educational Exchange and Dialogue (SEED) Project, a collaborative effort by Yokosuka City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), recently brought together 20 Japanese and American students for a two-day cultural exchange.
CFAY Celebrates Yokosuka’s Naval History at 70 th Verny-Oguri Memorial
The 70th Verny-Oguri Memorial Ceremony, a blend of historical re ection and modern military diplomacy, was held at Yokosuka City’s Verny Park, commemorating the pivotal contributions of François Léonce Verny and Oguri Kozukenosuke Tadamasa to Japan’s naval modernization. This landmark event, attended by prominent leaders such as Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Navy Region Japan; Rear Admiral Christopher J. Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Group Seven; and Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, underscored the enduring legacy of the Yokosuka Arsenal, a symbol of Franco-Japanese cooperation.
Yokosuka Middle School Students Connect with Rafael Peralta Family
At Yokosuka Middle School, 100 seventh-graders proudly call themselves “Team Rafael Peralta,” sharing their team name with the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), a naval destroyer. But many students did not know the history behind their team’s name – until now.
CFAY Celebrates Yokosuka Friendship Day 2023
The 45th Yokosuka Friendship Day unfolded under challenging weather conditions on Oct. 15, 2023, as rough and rainy weather marked the beginning of the day. However, the resilient spirit of the community persevered as people continued to show up. Later in the morning, the sun appeared, and the festivities picked up, underscoring the determination to celebrate the enduring friendship between the U.S. military and the local Japanese community.
CFAY Celebrates 50 Years of Hosting U.S. Aircraft Carriers
This year marks a signifcant milestone for Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of hosting U.S. aircraft carriers. From the USS Midway (CV-41) in 1973 to the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN76) today, CFAY has been an indispensable hub for American naval power in the Asia-Pacific region. These floating fortresses symbolize more than naval prowess. They’re an emblem of American-Japanese cooperation and ensure regional stability.
Igniting Awareness: Celebrating Fire Prevention Month at CFAY
In the heart of Yokosuka, where the sea meets the land and a vibrant community thrives, October carries special signi cance. It’s a time when the Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) community comes together for a crucial mission – ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. At the forefront of this endeavor is Sean Rutledge, the Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, who shares his passion for re safety and a month-long celebration dedicated to it.
Suicide Prevention Month Takes Center Stage at CFAY
The stark reality of suicide within the military touches not only those who serve but also leaves indelible marks on families, friends, and entire communities. The U.S. Navy is not just a military force but a community that shares the joys of triumph and the burdens of loss. Tragically, that loss is immeasurable and hauntingly persistent.
‘CFAY Embraces National Preparedness Month
For many in the Indo-Pacom region, September brings about somber recollections of natural calamities. From the recent wildfires that ravaged Maui to frequent earthquakes shaking the island nation, Japan has had its fair share of reminders. The gravity of this reality hits home as our host nation memorializes the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake. This catastrophe forever changed the landscape of emergency response in Japan. For Sailors and families stationed at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), these unsettling anniversaries and recent events reinforce the message: It’s not a matter of if an emergency will happen, but when.
Boys/Girls Are Back to School: The First Day of School
As the first day of school rang in at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) base, over 2900 students were met with excitement and anticipation as they made their way to classrooms across four separate schools.
Revitalizing Ikego for Future Generations Future Generation
Residents at Ikego Family Housing Area will receive a new multi-purpose facility in 2026 as part of a significant reinvestment in Navy families’ quality of life.
The Silent Defenders: An Inside Look at the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka is a bustling microcosm in constant movement contributing to the base’s functionality and surrounding communities. Unbeknownst to many, CFAY houses an elite Marine Corps unit that stands ever-vigilant, ready to respond to threats and emergencies at a moment’s notice. The Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Pacific (FASTPAC) serves as the first line of defense for the U.S. 7th Fleet and its area of responsibility by providing critical security services and bridging the gap between crisis and the arrival of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
CFAY’s Child Youth Sports Program Is Keeping Kids Active
Roshawn Terry, the Youth Sports and Fitness Director at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), recently discussed the various programs offered by the CFAY Child Youth Program. The program provides school-age care programs, youth sports programs, team programs, and a Child Development Center (CDC) which all support the CFAY community.
United in Tradition: CFAY’s Independence Day Celebration CFAY’s Independence Day Celebration
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) goes all out every Independence Day to provide the community with the opportunity to commemorate this monumental occasion. It’s a celebration of unity, community, and tradition. This year, CFAY ramped up its efforts to infuse a genuine American essence into the Independence Day festivities, making it an unforgettable event for the community..
‘Sponsorship on Demand’: A Revolutionary Leap Forward A Revolutionary Leap Forward
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) recently unveiled a game-changing initiative – the Sponsorship on Demand program. They aim to provide a virtual one-stop shop of precise and personalized information to guide service members, civilians, and families through the demanding Permanent Change of Station (PCS) transition. This state-of-the art platform stands poised to redefine the PCS experience, seamlessly transforming a once daunting process into a smooth transition.
CFAY Community Gears Up for Typhoon Season
As typhoon season looms from May through October, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and readiness of its community members.
Strengthening Energy Resilience: A Glimpse into the ERRE Table Top Exercise at CFAY
Energy resilience is crucial for maintaining mission continuity during natural or man-made emergency. On March 23, 2023, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) participated in an Energy Resilience Readiness Exercise (ERRE) Tabletop Exercise (TTX) to identify critical mission readiness gaps and develop strategies for enhancing the reliability, resilience, and efficiency of shore assets vital to national defense.
CFAY’s Upcoming Triannual CNIC Safety Inspection
Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will conduct a triannual safety inspection onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) beginning March 20. The inspection is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the readiness and preparedness of the installations within the Pacific region.
Driven to Heal: How Community and Cars Helped a Navy Gold Star Survivor Cope with Loss
In 2017, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) collided with a Liberian-flagged tanker off the coast of Singapore and Malaysia, east of the Strait of Malacca, killing ten sailors. The tragedy impacted not only the families of the fallen but also Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) in Japan, where the ship was based. However, this tragedy also highlights the importance of resilience through difficult times and the crucial role that the community plays in supporting those affected by the loss.
Chapel of Hope Yokosuka Holds Clothing Drive for Ukraine in Partnership with Orthodox Church of Ukraine
The Chapel of Hope Yokosuka, a community center and place of worship for the military community in Yokosuka, Japan, has recently announced a clothing drive for Ukraine in partnership with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This initiative, which runs through the end of January, aims to gather clothing donations from the community to help those in need during the cold winter months.
CFAY Cuts Ribbon on New Pier
The Pier 5 ribbon cutting ceremony onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), concluded a multi-year project, bringing the pier into the 21st century. Integrating new technology with legacy systems and retaining the historical element is crucial to preserving Yokosuka’s history. The project faced various challenges and setbacks but successfully met all milestones with its completion by the Nov. 18, 2022 deadline.
CFAY Holds International Christmas Celebration
With the holidays quickly approaching, the feeling onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), transforms into a lively smalltown atmosphere as it prepares for a flurry of seasonal events, both on and off base. One longstanding tradition combining the Japanese and CFAY communities is the International Christmas Celebration (ICC). The ICC is a bilateral event held at the Yokosuka Chapel of Hope every December. This is the second year the service has been held since the pandemic and is the first service to anticipate attendance of local guests from off base.
CFAY Holds International Christmas Celebration
With the holidays quickly approaching, the feeling onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), transforms into a lively smalltown atmosphere as it prepares for a flurry of seasonal events, both on and off base. One longstanding tradition combining the Japanese and CFAY communities is the International Christmas Celebration (ICC). The ICC is a bilateral event held at the Yokosuka Chapel of Hope every December. This is the second year the service has been held since the pandemic and is the first service to anticipate attendance of local guests from off base.
Galloping into the Future
In ancient Hawai`i, long before skyscrapers enveloped the skyline and highways were lined with personal vehicles, the islands were vast landscapes where one would traverse the expansive terrain on foot or via the majestic ocean.
E Pupukahi
Everyday we are reminded of the real and ever-present threats in the world–both natural and man-made. Fortunately, there are those who swear an oath to protect and defend us from such opposing threats.
Raising Ocean Warriors
Surfing is seen by many around the world as a sport, a competition, and a leisurely activity.
Pacific Reservists Overcome COVID-19 challenges to host Yellow Ribbon event
The Yellow Ribbon Program is there to help assist reservists in obtaining the necessary tools to alleviate stress before deploying and during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 624th Regional Support Group at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, recently found a way to facilitate the program virtually for the first time.
624th Regional Support Group Administers COVID-19 Vaccine
Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 624th Regional Support Group received their first part of the COVID-19 vaccine March 7, 2021.
Citizen Airmen in Pacific promote mental, physical resilience
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the 624th Regional Support Group in Hawaii and Guam took this opportunity during the unit’s Unit Training Assembly Sept. 12-13 to focus on this topic and resiliency.
Maintaining resiliency in paradise
With Air Force suicide rates rising 33 percent in 2019, and the numbers are trending upwards this year. It is vital for the military to provide the proper tools for resiliency to all members, especially those returning from deployment.
Rolling Into the Modern Age
For over 80 Years the cabs of Charley’s Taxi have been a fixture of the streets of Honolulu, serving visitors and locals alike.
Parkour and the Marine Corps
Art du Displacement, free running or Parkour (as it’s more commonly known), has been popularized in movies, TV and comic books.
Single Marines and sailors get their fun fix
It’s easy for single Marines and sailors to fall into the trap of never leaving the barracks room and becoming “barrack rats.”
Anime Fans Prepare to Assemble
Blocks provide you with everything you need to build a larger page. Kawaii-Kon is the first and only anime convention of its kind in Hawaii and has been going strong annually for the past seven years.
Thousands come together for anime fun at Kawaii-Kon
From March 16 through 18, thousands of anime fans were in attendance at the Hawaii Convention Center for Kawaii-Kon, the premier and only anime convention in Hawaii.
11th Hour Set to Rock at Kahuna’s
The 11th Hour rock band performed recently in Aiea and on base and is scheduled to perform live at
Kahuna’s Sports Bar and Grill on Saturday.
Henry Kapono visits K-Bay, rehearses with MarForPac Band for an upcoming concert
Christmas came early as Henry Kapono, of the Hawaiian music duo Cecilio and Kapono, came to Marine Corps Base Hawaii to rehearse with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band, Tuesday.
Miller Sucker Punches Al-Queda
Frank Miller’s post 9-11 graphic novel takes on terrorism in his signature “pulp fiction” style.
Ninjas Vs Pirates
The decade-long debate.
Immortals Drops Dead at Box Office
Before he was Superman, Cavill took the mantel of Theseus.
“J. Edgar” Is no Hoover’s Legacy
A strange look into the fractured psyche of J. Edgar.
‘Red Tails’ only manages to fly level
Star Wars…only WWII.
Diving the Depths of Maui
Some of Bishop Museum’s hidden assets include the expert staff of scientists who have helped the museum garner an international reputation of leadership in the field of natural and cultural sciences in its over 100-year history.
Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military
Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan.