Champions of Freedom Commemorate 50th Anniversary on Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

Courtesy Photo | PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 11, 2019) Aircraft from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force perform a fly-over as ships from the U.S. Navy, JMSDF, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy sail in formation during Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 19. ANNUALEX 19 is a bilateral exercise which further develops coordination and interoperability of the premier alliance between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF. (Photo courtesy of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

11.18.2021

Courtesy Story

Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

By Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15 Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan – In October 2021, the Champions of Freedom of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15/ Task Force (TF) 71 celebrated 50 years of forward-deployed service to Yokosuka, Japan.

In 1971, the squadron departed San Diego to permanently forward-deploy to the 7th Fleet. Today DESRON 15 is the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.

“DESRON 15 has been an instrumental part of the success and phenomenal teamwork required to ensure we maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “They continue to be invaluable for the strength and stability of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces here in Japan and throughout the Fleet.”

On Jan. 1, 2021, DESRON 15 was designated Commander, Task Force 71 and serves as the Theater Surface Warfare Commander as well as being responsible for Theater Maritime Interception Operations for U.S. 7th Fleet.

“I am in constant awe at the dedication and resiliency of the entire forward-deployed surface force. Their exceptional performance, day in and day out, is the backbone of U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific and honors the phenomenal and storied legacy of the great sailors and greyhounds of DESRON 15 that came before us.” said Capt. Chase Sargeant, Commodore, DESRON 15, Commander, TF 71. “I am extremely proud of our entire team! The focus and unwavering commitment by our ships and crews to defending our national interests and supporting our network of allies and partners throughout 7th Fleet is critical to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

CTF 71/ DESRON 15 is also tasked to support Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group as the Sea Combat Commander and recently completed a deployment from May to October 2021 to both the 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

"DESRON 15 continues to execute high end missions at the tip of the spear! It's been a long 5 months, and both our forward-deployed and the shore staff teams worked hard and that does not go unnoticed," said Capt. Walt Mainor, Deputy Commodore, Commander, Task Force 71. "We are committed to fully employ and effectively leverage our diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives to achieve our mission with a strategic advantage."

CTF 71 participates in multiple combined training and operations with allies and partners including but not limited to the Japan Maritime Self -Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and Indian Navy. This year, CTF 71 also supported the Royal Navy and the recent deployment of the Queen Elizabeth Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific.

Over the years, many ships have served under the “shield” of DESRON 15, ranging from platforms like the WWII era Gearing-class destroyer USS Richard B. Anderson (DD 786), Vietnam era Knox-class frigate USS Francis Hammond, and Cold War era Spruance-class destroyer USS Hewitt. Today, DESRON 15 consists of eight modern Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, including USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 15).

CTF 71 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The Task Force is committed to continuing the long legacy of building and maintaining alliances and partnerships in the region. Ensuring a continuation of peace and prosperity while promoting a rules-based international order for all countries in the region.to protecting the rights, freedoms, and lawful use of the sea and the ability of all countries to exercise those rights.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world, and with the help of a network of alliances and partners from 35 other maritime-nations, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.

• Date Taken: 11.18.2021
• Date Posted: 11.18.2021 01:31
• Story ID: 409548
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP