US deploys guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell to Japan

Asia-Pacific, News, US January 29, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Navy announced the forward deployment of USS McCampbell (DDG 85) to Yokosuka, Japan. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell will replace USS Antietam (CG 54), which will move to Pearl Harbor as part of a rotation of forces in the Pacific.

The USS Antietam will join the U.S. Navy’s largest Destroyer Squadron, Task Force 71 DESRON, and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s main surface force, the U.S. Navy statement read.

According to the U.S. Navy statement, “The forward presence of McCampbell enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests. It will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

The statement highlighted that the United States values Japan’s role in promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as its enduring commitment and hospitality in hosting forward-deployed U.S. forces.

“These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives,” it added.

USS McCampbell has a length of 509 ft (155 m) and it can cruise at a speed of 30 knots (56 km/h or 35 mph). The ship is equipped with a 127 mm/62 Mk 45 Mod 4 lightweight gun, a 20 mm Phalanx CIWS weapon system, two 25 mm Mk 38 machine gun systems, and four 12.7 mm caliber guns.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer also has one 320-cell and one 64-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS) and can carry various kinds of missiles and torpedoes. The USS McCampbell can also carry two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

*^{U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell. (Image Credit: U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Naval Surface Force Public Affairs)}*

In 2020, the ship received comprehensive system upgrades and warfighting improvements, including new machinery control system, integrated bridge and navigation system, wireless communications and digital video surveillance system, AEGIS baseline 9, and Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 upgrade.

The United States maintains a forward-deployed naval forces capability with advanced warships to reinforce its commitment to the defense of Japan and ensure the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet. It operates in the Indo-Pacific region and plays a critical role in promoting regional security and cooperation among U.S. regional allies and partners. The 7th Fleet’s operations involve a wide range of activities, including joint exercises, maritime patrols, supporting regional partners, and responding to threats.

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Defense has been increasing bilateral exercises and training with Indo-Pacific allies and partners, including several military and naval joint exercises with Japan.