Japan: Arleigh Burke-Class Guided Missile Destroyer Completes Maintenance

June 8, 2011

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) returned to its forward-deployed port of Yokosuka, Japan, June 4.

Initially conducting extensive maintenance and upgrade in Yokosuka, Lassen relocated to Sasebo Naval Base following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northeastern Japan.

After spending nearly 10 weeks at Sasebo Naval Base, the $11 million undertaking was complete and resulted in transforming Lassen into a combat capable DDG in the fleet. The ship received many combat systems upgrades, allowing her to better carry out missions and provide enhanced defenses against air, surface, and sub-surface threats.

Lassen also received fresh coats of paint, non-skid deck resurfacing, and an overhaul of her engineering spaces, galley, and crew berthing. New gym and lounge equipment were also provided by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation.

Departing Sasebo, Lassen spent four days conducting sea trials and an ammo on-load before continuing on to Yokosuka.

Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and will continue to prepare for follow-on tasking throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations.

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Source: navy, June 8, 2011;