The Yokosuka-based destroyer visited Shimoda for the eighty fifth annual Black Ship Competition, commemorating the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his ‘Black Ships’ in July 1853, and the signing of the Japan-American Treaty of Commerce and Amity on June 17, 1854. The occasions opened Japan’s borders to commerce and fostered relations between the international locations.
“The residents of Shimoda welcomed the crew of the Higgins with open arms,” stated Cmdr. Ron Jenkins, commanding officer of Higgins. “It was an honor to have Higgins and her crew representing the U.S. Navy. From the parades, to the totally different sporting occasions, to the gorgeous ceremonies, we couldn’t be extra grateful for his or her beneficiant hospitality.”
Higgins Sailors represented the U.S. Navy throughout the three-day pageant by volunteering, attending ceremonies, collaborating in numerous video games, and having fun with the pageant themselves.
On the ultimate day of the pageant, Sailors had been in a position to take part in a Friendship Seaside Volleyball Sport and Friendship Tug-A-Conflict Event with Shimoda locals.
Ensign Brienna Bruun, a participant within the tournaments stated, “I’m so grateful to have had the chance to take part within the video games. Everybody was so type and welcoming, and it was nice to have the ability to benefit from the day with the group.”
The town of Shimoda hosts the annual occasion which attracts vacationers from throughout Japan in mid-Could.
USS Higgins is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. seventh fleet’s principal floor power. DESRON 15 is chargeable for the readiness, tactical and administrative obligations for 10 forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in addition to any floor unit conducting impartial operations within the area.
U.S. seventh Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and companions in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific area.
