US destroyers visit Japan after drills with Korean Navy

U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) arrived in Sasebo, Japan for a regularly scheduled port visit, June 2-4.

The two ships recently concluded a series of evolutions with the Republic of Korea Navy in the waters around the Korean Peninsula, in late May.

Decatur and Momsen are deployed as part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31 (CDS 31).

“Our relationship with the Japanese, and their maritime force, over the last 70 years has been one of the closest alliances we have maintained,” said Capt. Charles Johnson, commander, Destroyer Squadron 31. “We are grateful for any opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture and people.”

The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) and embarked “Devil Fish” and “Warbirds” detachments of Helicopter Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 are also part of the PAC SAG.

Spruance is underway conducting Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) operations. OMSI is a Department of Defense initiative, in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, to provide enforcement against illegal fishing and poaching in economic exclusive zones.