USS Fort Worth Makes First Visit to Sasebo, Japan

March 18, 2015

The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) arrived in Sasebo, Japan, March 18, marking the first time an LCS has visited Japan.

The ship is in port to work with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force counterparts and conduct routine maintenance.

Cmdr. Matt Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer, said:

The Japanese are a strong maritime partner and we’re looking forward to bringing them aboard to show all that the LCS platform offers.

Following the Sasebo port visit and a brief routine underway period off the coast of Japan, Fort Worth will begin her return transit to Southeast Asia, where she will begin exchanges with regional navies such as the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) 2015 in Singapore before turning over to the next crew in late May.

Throughout the summer and fall, Fort Worth will take part in most of the 2015 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series.

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Image: US Navy