USS San Diego Makes Strategic Move to Sasebo, Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan — The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, USS San Diego (LPD 22), arrived at its new forward-deployed location in Sasebo, Japan, on Sept. 19. This addition marks it as the latest ship in the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces Japan (FDNF-J).

San Diego (LPD 22) replaces USS Green Bay (LPD 20), which served over nine years with FDNF-J and is now set for Naval Base San Diego. “We are excited to welcome USS San Diego, its crew, and family members to Sasebo and to the Amphibious Squadron Eleven family,” stated Capt. Patrick German, the commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Eleven. He emphasized that San Diego will bolster the fleet’s mission to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Joining the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), San Diego collaborates with the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Together, they aim to deliver rapid and integrated naval power to the U.S. 7th Fleet by deploying forces ashore efficiently.

“The crew is enthusiastic about starting our next chapter with the USS San Diego in Japan,” commented Capt. David Walton, the ship’s commanding officer. Following extensive preparation and a month-long Pacific transit, Walton and his crew are ready for forward-deployed operations under the support of the 7th Fleet.

San Diego’s modern amenities enhance expeditionary warfare missions. It extends the reach of Marines using its Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), amphibious vehicles, helicopters, and tilt-rotor aircraft.

Assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet in the U.S. Pacific Fleet area, San Diego plays a part in the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet. This fleet regularly engages with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

PHIBRON Eleven, the only forward-deployed amphibious squadron in the U.S. Navy, leads the America ARG. This squadron commands several ships, including the America-class amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).