U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Mayor of Newport, R.I., and U.S. military commanding officers participate in 87th annual Black Ship Festival Official Ceremony in Shimoda, Japan [Image 7 of 19]

SHIMODA, SHIZUOKA, JAPAN

05.20.2026

Photo by Chief Petty Officer Taylor DiMartino 

Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15

U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Randy Hayes places a wreath during the 87th annual Black Ship Festival Official Ceremony, at Shimoda Park in Shimoda, Japan, May 16, 2026. The festival commemorates the 1854 arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his “black ships” to Shimoda, and the subsequent signing of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Peace and Amity marking the start of diplomacy and trade between both countries. 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. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Taylor DiMartino)

• Date Taken: 05.20.2026
• Date Posted: 05.20.2026 06:27
• Photo ID: 9696900
• VIRIN: 260516-N-CL550-1207
• Resolution: 7295x4863
• Size: 7.35 MB
• Location: SHIMODA, SHIZUOKA, JP