YOKOSUKA, Japan - The U.S. Navy announced today that USS Lassen (DDG 82), permanently forward deployed to Yokosuka as part of the 7th Fleet's operating forces,will be making a brief visit to Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2012 to participate in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Stranded Commuter Assistance drill.

During the drill, Lassen, demonstrating its ability to assist in disaster relief, will come alongside a designated assembly site on Tokyo Bay and embark a number of citizens who are playing the role of stranded commuters because of a natural or man-made disaster. The ship will then transport the commuters to Yokosuka Naval Base.

Lassen, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, commanded by Comdr. Walter "Chip" Wrye IV, is 155 meters long, displaces approximately 9,145 tons and has a crew of 274.