Banner from City of Kure, Japan, 7-1/2 x 11. The City of Kure prospered due to the presence of Japan's large naval bases before World War II. After the war, it continued to prosper thanks to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This was given to Mayor Faulconer by the Mayor of Kure City, Kazutoshi Komura, via JMSDF RADM Yasuki Nakahata during a stop-over in San Diego. Based in Yokosuka, Japan, the JMSDF departs each year for long-term training in countries across the globe, periodically visiting the Port of San Diego.