USS Higgins Departs Shimoda, Black Ship Festival

22 May 2024

From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry

SHIMODA, Japan — The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) departed Shimoda, Japan after a port visit, May 20, during the city’s Black Ship Festival.

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SHIMODA, Japan (May 16, 2024) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) count the depth of the anchor while anchoring out in Shimoda, Japan for the 85th Black Ship Festival, May 16. The Black Ship Festival commemorates the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. Higgins is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)

SHIMODA, Japan (May 16, 2024) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) mount the jack staff on the forecastle during a sea and anchor evolution while anchoring out in Shimoda, Japan, for the 85th Black Ship Festival, May 16. The Black Ship Festival commemorates the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. Higgins is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)

SHIMODA, Japan (May 18, 2024) Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Commander, Navy Region Japan, gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the 85th Black Ship Festival at Shimoda Park in Shimoda, Japan, May 18. The Black Ship Festival commemorates the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. Higgins is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)

SHIMODA, Japan (May 18, 2024) Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON
15) lays a wreath during the opening ceremony of the 85th Black Ship Festival at Shimoda Park in Shimoda, Japan, May 18. The Black Ship Festival commemorates the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. Higgins is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)

SHIMODA, Japan (May 18, 2024) Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Commander, Navy Region Japan, gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the 85th Black Ship Festival at Shimoda Park in Shimoda, Japan, May 18. The Black Ship Festival commemorates the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. Higgins is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)

The Yokosuka-based destroyer visited Shimoda for the 85th annual Black Ship Festival, commemorating the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his ‘Black Ships’ in July 1853, and the signing of the Japan-American Treaty of Trade and Amity on June 17, 1854. The events opened Japan’s borders to trade and fostered relations between the countries.

“The citizens of Shimoda welcomed the crew of the Higgins with open arms,” said Cmdr. Ron Jenkins, commanding officer of Higgins. “It was an honor to have Higgins and her crew representing the U.S. Navy. From the parades, to the different sporting events, to the beautiful ceremonies, we could not be more thankful for their generous hospitality.”

Higgins Sailors represented the U.S. Navy during the three-day festival by volunteering, attending ceremonies, participating in various games, and enjoying the festival themselves.

On the final day of the festival, Sailors were able to participate in a Friendship Beach Volleyball Game and Friendship Tug-A-War Tournament with Shimoda locals.

Ensign Brienna Bruun, a participant in the tournaments said, “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the games. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and it was great to be able to enjoy the day with the community.”

The city of Shimoda hosts the annual event which draws tourists from all over Japan in mid-May.

USS Higgins is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. DESRON 15 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for 10 forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independent operations in the region.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.