“We’re excited for the chance to rejoin seventh Fleet and the forward-deployed naval forces in Yokosuka, Japan” stated Cmdr. James Pierce III, McCampbell’s commanding officer. “Our Sailors have skilled diligently over the previous 4 years since our departure to arrange for our return to Japan. We’re able to help our allies and companions within the area in sustaining maritime safety. Moreover, we’re appreciative of the hospitality proven to our households who arrived in Japan earlier this 12 months.”
McCampbell will make its return as one of many ten forward-deployed Areigh Burke-class destroyers. The ship is called after Capt. David S. McCampbell, a naval aviator who distinguished himself because the Navy’s main fighter pilot throughout World Struggle II. The ship was commissioned in his honor on August 17, 2002. McCampbell was beforehand in Yokosuka for 13 years, from 2007-2020, earlier than relocating to Portland, Oregon to bear its midlife modernization, fortifying its warfighting functionality.
“The addition of USS McCampbell additional strengthens Destroyer Squadron 15’s preventing power,” stated Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15. “On this demanding and ever-changing theater, McCampbell’s devoted crew will likely be a key a part of our mission to function alongside our allies and companions and guarantee we stay dedicated to maritime safety within the area and uphold the promise of a free and open Indo-Pacific. We’re thrilled to have them again in Yokosuka.”
The US values Japan’s contributions to the peace, safety and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term dedication and hospitality in internet hosting U.S. forces ahead deployed there. These forces, together with their counterparts within the Japan Self-Protection Forces, make up the core capabilities wanted by the alliance to fulfill widespread strategic targets and help a free and open Indo-Pacific.
McCampbell is a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer that may deploy with two MH-60 variant helicopters. It additionally has ballistic missile protection, anti-air and floor warfare capabilities. The ship is 155 meters in size; displacing roughly 9,250 tons, with a crew dimension of over 300 Sailors.
McCampbell is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. seventh Fleet’s principal floor power.
U.S. seventh Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and companions in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific area.
