OTARU, Japan -- The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived for its third port visit to Otaru, Japan, Feb. 2.

During Mustin’s time in port, the ship will conduct tours for distinguished visitors, play basketball with Otaru Meiho High School students, and participate in a Canal Clean-up downtown. Sailors also have the opportunity to help Naval Air Facility Misawa carve their ice sculpture at the 69th Annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

“My crew and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to visit Otaru during such a beautiful season of the year,” said Cmdr. Warren Smith, commanding officer of Mustin. “There are very few U.S. Navy sailors who get such a wonderful opportunity to see Otaru in both the summer and winter seasons.”

The Mustin leadership will host a welcome meeting and tour for the Otaru Welcome Delegation and local media aboard the ship.

Mustin Sailors are excited to return to Otaru and Sapporo and experience the Hokkaido area in its grandest season and with such an enthusiastic welcome by the citizens and leadership in Otaru.

“Without the support of the citizens of Otaru, organizations like the Self-Defense Force supporters association, and the government of Japan, this opportunity would not have been possible,” said Smith.

Mustin is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and visits Otaru as part of a routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.