FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Feb. 12, for a routine visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

This kind of visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crews' interaction with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Seventh Fleet, which celebrates its 75th year in 2018, spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South.

Seventh Fleet's area of operation encompasses 36 maritime countries and 50 percent of the world's population with between 50-70 U.S. ships and submarines, 140 aircraft and approximately 20,000 Sailors in the 7th Fleet.

Mississippi is one of the most technologically advanced and stealthiest submarines in the world and is capable of fulfilling a multitude of missions. Mississippi is homeported in Pearl Harbor.