USS Ralph Johnson joins Forward-Deployed Naval Forces Japan

03 October 2021

From Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15 Public Affairs

The guided-missile destroyer arrived in Yokosuka, Oct. 4, as the newest addition to U.S. 7th Fleet's forces.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 04, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) arrives at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) as one of the newest additions to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families (U.S. Navy photo by Tetsuya Morita)

USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Oct. 4, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Tetsuya Morita)

YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) arrived to its new forward-deployed location in Yokosuka, Oct. 4.

Ralph Johnson is a Flight IIA multi-mission destroyer, capable of embarking two MH-60 variant helicopters with air warfare, submarine warfare, and surface warfare capabilities; designed to operate independently or with carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious ready groups.

"Ralph Johnson and her crew look forward to joining the forward-deployed team in Yokosuka and to building relationships with our allies and partners in the region," said Cmdr. Colin Roberts, commanding officer of USS Ralph Johnson. "It's an honor to join the DESRON 15 team and an honor to know that Ralph Johnson will play a role in ensuring the future of a free and open IndoPacific."

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 4, 2021) Sailors man the rails aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) as the ship arrives at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) as one of the newest additions to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families (U.S. Navy photo by Tetsuya Morita)

The United States values Japan’s long-term hospitality and contributions in hosting U.S. forwarddeployed forces. Along with their counterparts in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, U.S. forces frequently operate together in the Indo-Pacific Region.

"Ralph Johnson comes over as one of the newest and most capable destroyers in the U.S. Navy," said Capt. Chase Sargeant, commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15. "The addition of Ralph Johnson demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintain maritime security in the Indo-Pacific alongside our alliances and partnerships."

Sailors and their family members received training regarding policies in the region, including the current Naval Forces Japan COVID-19 mitigation measures. All service members and their families have been directed to adhere to these preventative measures to ensure the United States Navy is doing its part to stop the spread of the COVID-19 and protect Sailors, their families and the local community.

As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50 to 70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region.