USS Preble to forward deploy to Japan strengthening US Naval presence in Indo-Pacific.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 1, 2024, the Navy announced that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) will be forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. The USS Preble will replace the USS Benfold (DDG 65), which is set to depart Yokosuka and relocate to Everett, Washington.
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Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Preble. (Picture source: US DoD)

The US Navy's deployment and technical maintenance operations in Japan are undergoing significant enhancements to maintain fleet readiness and operational efficiency in the Indo-Pacific region.

In May 2024, the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) concluded its nearly nine-year deployment at Yokosuka Naval Base, marking the end of a significant era. This Nimitz-class aircraft carrier has been pivotal in various operations, including disaster relief during Operation Tomodachi and evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.

The Ronald Reagan's departure is part of a broader rotation strategy, with the USS George Washington (CVN-73) scheduled to replace it by the end of the year after completing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH)​​.

In parallel, the US Navy is expanding its maintenance operations in Japan to reduce the turnaround time for repairs and enhance operational readiness. Historically, warships required extensive travel back to the United States for major overhauls, which could take months or even years.

To address this, the Navy is increasingly utilizing Japanese commercial shipyards for maintenance tasks. This initiative, highlighted by US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, includes a new committee to coordinate these efforts and pilot programs like the ongoing repairs of the USS New Orleans at a Japanese facility​​.