By Natalie StanleyMay 5, 2026
U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa’s Rob Lowery, physical security officer, prepares for the Army Black Knights heat during the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
Members of the Army Ladies Dragon Boat team celebrate following a race at the Naha Haarii dragon boat festival in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Command Sgt. Maj. Wesley Davis, USAG Okinawa command sergeant major, watches Members of the U.S. Army community across Okinawa participated in the annual Naha Haarii, at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
The Army Black Knights race in the yellow dragon boat during their heat at the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
The Army Ladies Dragon Boat team logo worn by a team member during the annual Naha Haarii at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, on May 5, 2026.
The Army Black Knights race in the yellow dragon boat during their heat at the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa’s Bernie Fernandez, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization & Security director, celebrates after the Army Black Knights first heat victory during the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
The Army Black Knights make their way to the start line in the yellow dragon boat during their heat at the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
Team members from the Army Black Knights climb down a ladder to get to their dragon boat to prepare for their heat at the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
Team members from the Army Black Knights prepare to race during the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Jose Robles, 10th Support group operations sergeant major, and U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Command Sgt. Maj. Wesley Davis, USAG Okinawa command sergeant major, congratulate members of the Army Black Knights following the win of their first heat during the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
Members of the Army Black Knights prepare to enter the yellow dragon boat for their first race at the Naha Haarii dragon boat races at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2026.
TORII STATION, Japan — Members of the U.S. Army community across Okinawa participated in the annual Naha Haarii, May 5, at Naha Port, Okinawa, Japan.
Held during Golden Week, the dragon boat races gave Soldiers and Army civilians an opportunity to race alongside local teams in one of Okinawa’s oldest and most celebrated maritime traditions.
Dating back more than 600 years, Naha Haarii features traditional dragon boat races that honor Okinawa’s historic connection to the sea while bringing together communities from across the island.
This year, participants from the Army Ladies Dragon Boat Team and the Army Black Knights took part in the races alongside local organizations and community teams.
The Army Black Knights earned first place in Category A competition.
“It was so great to get out of the office for a bit and catch the dragon boat races,” said U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Command Sgt. Maj. Wesley Davis, USAG Okinawa command sergeant major. “Seeing the local community and different military branches come together for a tradition that’s over 600 years old was truly amazing. You could really see the hard work and dedication all the teams put in out on the water.”
Naha Haarii is held annually in Naha and draws thousands of spectators each year for a weekend of races, cultural events, and community celebration.
