For nearly 80 years the city of Yokosuka has been a foundational building block of the U.S. Navy’s steadfast relationship with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the government of Japan.

From July 25 to Aug. 1, 2026, the U.S. Navy provided Mayor of Yokosuka Katsuaki Kamiji a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of the alliance during a trip to Washington D.C. and Hawaii. He was accompanied by Rear Adm. Ian Johnson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan (CNFJ/RJ) and representatives from Commander, Submarine Group 7 and Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. 

The visit was focused on the alliance with Japan and relationships with U.S. Navy and U.S. government leaders, demonstrating the key role the city of Yokosuka plays in the U.S.– Japan security relationship. The visit also addressed the continued focus on nuclear safety regarding nuclear-powered warships forward deployed in the area.

“The U.S.– Japan Alliance is strengthened not only through our military cooperation, but through the enduring relationships we share with our host communities,” said Johnson. “Mayor Kamiji’s visit reflects our mutual commitment to understanding one another, strengthening our partnerships and ensuring that Yokosuka remains a cornerstone of peace, stability and security throughout the Pacific.”

In Washington, D.C., Kamiji met with Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, and Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Installations Command, to strengthen mutual trust that is imperative to maintaining the alliance between the Navy and the city of Yokosuka.

"Yokosuka is far more than the home of our forward-deployed naval forces - it's a community whose friendship, generosity, and steadfast support have strengthened the U.S.-Japan alliance for generations. Meeting with Mayor Kamiji in Washington - and continuing our conversations over dinner – gave us the opportunity to speak candidly, strengthen mutual trust, and deepen
the personal relationship that underpins our institutional partnership,” said Caudle. “Alliances are ultimately built on trust between people, not just agreements between governments. Those enduring relationships help ensure that our navies, our governments, and our communities continue to stand together in preserving peace, stability, and security throughout the Pacific."

“Everyone I met spoke about the importance of Yokosuka to the U.S.- Japan Alliance and expressed their deep appreciation for the city,” said Kamiji.

Fleet Activities Yokosuka has hosted the U.S. Navy’s sole forward-deployed nuclear aircraft carrier for the past 18 years. That ship is currently Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Nuclear safety is an ongoing point of relevance, not only for the installation, but for the citizens of Yokosuka.

Kamiji also met with Adm. William Houston, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; Adm. Karl Thomas, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Vice Adm. Richard Seif, commander, Submarine Force/Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet/Allied Submarine Command; and Rear Adm. Daryle Cardone, Director, Operations and Plans (N3) Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. The Mayor also met with the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., as well as several national security leaders in the Nation’s capital.

“Yokosuka is the only city outside of the United States where a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is forward-deployed,” said Kamiji.“I believe the very presence of this nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is a symbol of the Japan – U.S. Alliance. It is important that nuclear-powered aircraft carriers continue to be operated safely and stably.”

Houston agreed, emphasizing that the safety of nuclear propulsion remains the Navy’s highest priority and is fundamental to maintaining the trust of the people of Yokosuka.

“Our unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship is at the heart of our special relationship with the people of Yokosuka,” said Houston. “Our meetings gave us the opportunity to talk about these shared interests and strengthen our long-standing partnership.”

On July 29, the group departed Washington and arrived at Pearl Harbor, home of the U.S. Pacific Command. While in Hawaii, the group visited with Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, director for operations (J3) U.S. Pacific Command; the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu; as well as Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The group also participated in a wreath-laying event at the USS Arizona Memorial at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

“Standing at Pearl Harbor is a reminder of how far our two nations have come,” said Johnson. “What was once a place marked by conflict now stands as a symbol of one of the world’s strongest alliances. That transformation is possible because generations of Americans and Japanese have chosen partnership over division, and it is our responsibility to continue building that legacy.”

As the delegation returned to Yokosuka, the visit served as more than a series of official engagements. It reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan – one built through decades of trust, shared values and a mutual commitment to peace and security in the Pacific. For the people of Yokosuka, the journey offered a deeper understanding of the relationships that continue to strengthen one of the world’s most enduring alliances.

CNFJ/RJ’s primary responsibility is to provide shore readiness to the fleet; to liaison with the Japanese government; and to strengthen ties with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. CNRJ is responsible for the Navy installations at Atsugi, Misawa, Okinawa, Sasebo, Yokosuka in Japan, and support activities in Diego Garcia, Singapore, and Australia.