The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, arrived at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, on Oct. 16, 2026, together with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73). The strike group is preparing to participate in exercise Keen Sword, a biennial joint-bilateral field training exercise with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
The port visit is the first time in more than four years that a non-forward-deployed carrier has pulled into Yokosuka, according to USNI News and The War Zone. The strike group also deployed with the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) Seahawk, USNI News reported. The War Zone reported that the Roosevelt completed the journey from San Diego in 19 days, maneuvering around a typhoon in the Western Pacific.
While in port, the strike group will conduct routine maintenance and resupply, and staff will hold professional exchanges with counterparts from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to align tactical procedures ahead of Keen Sword 2027, according to a U.S. Navy release. The U.S. Navy did not give dates for this year’s exercise or say how many ships and aircraft will take part, Defence Blog reported.
“Our crew is honored to visit Yokosuka and experience the rich culture and hospitality of Japan,” said Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt, in the release. “Port visits like this are vital for crew morale and mission readiness, allowing our Sailors to rest, recharge, and prepare to operate seamlessly alongside our allies during exercise Keen Sword.”
Rear Adm. Marcos Jasso, commander of CSG-9, said in the release: “The U.S.-Japan Alliance serves as the cornerstone of peace and security across the region. Every engagement with our JMSDF allies and the Japan community deepens the mutual trust vital to keeping this region free and open, especially as we transition to complex bilateral operations during Keen Sword.”
Before the port visit, commanders emphasized to crews that they are expected to uphold good order and discipline, comply with the liberty policy, and treat their Japanese hosts with respect, according to the release.
The strike group is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The War Zone reported that the five-ship CSG is operating on a disaggregated basis, with USS Carl M. Levin operating at an undisclosed location and USS Paul Hamilton having left San Diego on Oct. 10.
Keen Sword is designed to increase readiness and interoperability between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military forces, according to the Navy release.
Sources: DVIDS News · Defence Blog