This might be a everlasting change of station for the crew and members of the family.
“I can not thank the fantastic metropolis of Sasebo sufficient for all their heat hospitality,” stated Cmdr. Dirk Sonnenberg, the commanding officer of Ashland. “I’ve performed a number of excursions in Japan, however Sasebo will at all times be particular to me because the warmest and most welcoming metropolis to be hosted at. The expertise won’t ever be forgotten by the Sailors who served right here. It has been an excessive privilege for Ashland to have served the U.S./Japan Alliance for practically 10 years from Sasebo.”
Ashland arrived at Sasebo in August of 2013 and carried out operations below Expeditionary Strike Group 7.
The ship participated in quite a few workouts and operations, to incorporate Iron Fist, Balikatan, and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Coaching (CARAT) sequence occasions. Moreover, the crew carried out humanitarian help and catastrophe response operations in Saipan and Tinian in 2015 and 2018.
Ashland’s operations included first-in-class and proof of idea tasking to extend the interoperability of the U.S. Navy with Allies and companions within the area.
“Coming from Shelbyville, Kentucky, it was superb to return half-way around the globe to expertise Sasebo and all the pieces the Western Pacific has to supply,” stated Hull Upkeep Technician third Class Stephen Ruddy. “Everybody in Sasebo was so useful and pleasant. I am going to miss the camaraderie of being stationed in such a terrific city.”
Sustaining a forward-deployed naval pressure functionality with probably the most superior ships helps the USA’ dedication to the protection of Japan and the safety and stability of the Indo-Pacific area.
Ashland’s homeport change complies with the Nationwide Protection Authorization Act (NDAA), which mandates that U.S. Navy ships ahead deployed to Japan not exceed 10 years. The ship expects to reach in San Diego in mid-Spring, following her Trans-Pacific voyage.
