USS Howard hosts JMSDF JS Ikazuchi crew in Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 12, 2025) – U.S. Navy Cmdr. Randy Hayes, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), second from right, talks with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Cmdr. Ryuso Nobukazu, commanding officer of Murasame-class destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD 107), right, as members of Ikazuchi’s crew are given a tour on Howard’s fo’c’sle during an annual holiday gift exchange with between the sister ships at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Dec. 12, 2025. Howard is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Taylor DiMartino)