USS Lassen concludes 10-year forward deployment

The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) left Yokosuka, Japan on January 6 after nearly 10 years in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces.

The ship will conduct her last patrol in the western pacific before heading to her new homeport of Mayport, Florida.

Lassen is one of the destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and Carrier Strike Group 5.

Commander Robert Francis, commanding officer of Lassen, said: “Lassen has provided support for DESRON and Carrier Strike Group 5 for a long time. I’m proud of the accomplishments of our Sailors that have served in 7th Fleet on such a great ship and I’m looking forward to what is to come after the homeport change.”

DVIDS’ Rachel Jackson has put together an overview of the events that marked the ship’s 10-year deployment.

In March of 2010, Lassen aided in the salvage and recovery of the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheonan after it sank off the coast of the Republic of Korea. Later that year Lassen participated in the Invincible Spirit exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy.

Lassen was the first ship to arrive in the Leyte Gulf, Republic of the Philippines, in the fall of 2013 to aid in Operation Damayan after Typhoon Haiyan caused damage to the area. The ship also acted as a fueling station for the helicopter squadrons that aided the remote villages affected.

In 2006, Lassen participated in her first Annual Exercise (AnnualEx) the largest bilateral exercise conducted in 7th Fleet, and continued the participation throughout her time in Japan. She has also participated Multi-Sail, a DESRON 15-led exercise designed to test interoperability and combat capabilities.

In 2010 Lassen participated in a number of exercises including, Foal Eagle, a bilateral Field Training Exercise with the ROKN, Malabar, a trilateral exercise conducted with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), a bilateral exercise, Invincible Spirit, and Keen Sword, bilateral exercises with the ROKN.

During her last deployment in 2015, Lassen continued her participation in Foal Eagle, CARAT, Multi-Sail and AnnualEx 16. She also hosted a group of midshipmen from the Naval Academy during their summer program

“I’m honored to take charge of this outstanding crew,” said Francis. “This upcoming tour before the homeport change will provide new opportunities for Lassen and her Sailors.”

Along with continued participation in exercises, Lassen fosters relationships that demonstrate the commitment the United States has to the region through port visits to Donghae, Republic of Korea, Bali, Indonesia and Nagasaki, Japan, Melbourne, Australia, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and a number of others during her time in Seventh Fleet.

Often, the Sailors aboard Lassen had the opportunity to participate in community relations (COMREL) projects such as during the multiple visits to Vladivostok, Russia, to foster relations with the Russian Navy, Sailors participated in celebration events and visits to a children’s medical ward and a center for at-risk youth.

During her port visit in 2010 to Goa, India, Sailors renovated a primary school. The Sailors painted a number of classrooms and interacted with the staff and students.

The Lassen Sailors were also treated to Korean barbecue by the ROK Sailors.

Replacing Lassen is the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). Barry will join 7th fleet as a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capable destroyer. She brings the newest Aegis combat system, Baseline 9.C, to 7th Fleet and the capability to fire all Vertical Launch System (VLS) ordnance, including the newest missiles, RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) and RIM-161 Standard Missile 6 (SM-6). Barry brings more advanced Link capabilities including Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) to aid interoperability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Lassen departs Yokosuka for Mayport with years of experience to use in her new homeport.