230520-N-UA460-0199

Cmdr. Leif Gunderson, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), places a wreath during the official ceremony for the 84th Black Ship Festival, May 20. The Black Ship Festival is held annually in Shimoda to commemorate the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.