The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) hosted Mr. Shotaro Yachi, Japan National Security Advisor to the Cabinet, Secretary General of National Security Secretariat, for a tour Oct. 31. 

The tour was to provide the group a better understanding of the Navy’s mission and the function of the ship’s systems. 

Accompanying Mr. Yachi were members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), including Rear Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura, Director, Defense Plans and Policy (J-5), Joint Staff Office, and Rear Adm. Umio Otsuka, Chief of Staff, Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet. 

During the tour, led by Lassen’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. M. A. Smith, the visitors learned Lassen’s history and its namesake, Medal of Honor recipient Cmdr. Clyde E. Lassen.  Lassen’s crewmembers discussed several of the ship’s combat systems. Additionally, the guests experienced a close-up view of operations in the pilot house, combat information center, and central control station.  The visitors received an explanation of flight operations and learned about the versatility of the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter variants.

Touring Lassen provided Mr. Yachi and the JSDF staff a first-hand opportunity to learn about shipboard systems and to strengthen the bond between the United States and Japan. 

Lassen, operating from Yokosuka, Japan, is forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.