PHILIPPINE SEA (April 25, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) launches a Standard Missile-2 at a high-speed maneuvering aerial target drone during a tactical training exercise conducted in the Philippine Sea, April 25, 2025. Benfold is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, and is underway in the 7th Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training to enhance warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. DESRON 15 is the Navy's Largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Monica Walker)
Force protection and security representatives from across the Forward Deployed Naval Forces - Japan met in the CDS-15 Command Cave to discuss the steps necessary to defend our ships while they are in port. "Unending vigilance is required to keep our ships and their crews safe at all time, this is especially true when our ships are in port," said Harts. "This conference brings together the sharpest minds in Seventh Fleet to discuss...
Lt. Eric "Half-Squat" Thomas, Commander, Destroyer Squadron Fifteen Surface Fires and Effects Center's Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance-Afloat (MISR-A), briefed JMSDF leadership on the role that Maritime Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance - Afloat (MISR-A) officers play in maritime fires. "The integration of Allied navies is our number one focus," said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15....
During a port visit to Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea (ROK) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) were able to visit the The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, ROK.
