DESRON 15 Visits JS Kongo (DDG 173)

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class William Stephens | SASEBO, Japan (Feb. 20, 2024) — Lt. Cmdr. HOSODA Koji , the gunnery officer assigned to the Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) discusses operations related to a slated bilateral exercise with Lt. David Christie, the weapons and tactics instructor assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, prior to a tour of Kongo while in port Sasebo, Japan, Feb. 20, 2024. CTF 71/DESRON 15 is the Navy's largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chase Stephens/Released)  

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

02.20.2024

Story by Lt.j.g. Ronan Williams 

Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

SASEBO, Japan (Feb. 20, 2024) – Members from Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 visited the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) and met with the crew February 20.

Present during the visit was Lt. David Christie, Lt. Eric Chamberlin, and Lt. Steve Zakravsky.

“Visiting JMSDF ships that operate with DESRON 15 provides us an opportunity to grow as a command and operate effectively in our daily battle rhythm,” said Christie. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to visit ”

During the visit to Kongo, DESRON 15 members of their staff received a brief on the capabilities of Kongo and met with the ship’s commanding officer. The group then toured the ship and saw the pilot house, combat information center, and gymnasium.

Kongo is regularly operates alongside DESRON 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2024
• Date Posted: 03.17.2024 18:58
• Story ID: 466385
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP