SASEBO, Japan -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and the USS Russell (DDG 59), arrived in Sasebo for a port visit, Feb. 8.

During the port visit, Sailors will be able to experience Japanese culture, as well as go shopping and sightseeing through scheduled Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) events. "Our Sailors have been working extremely hard over the past two years since commissioning in 2017," said Cmdr. Jeffery J. Murawski, executive officer of Rafael Peralta. "Sasebo will be our ship’s first-ever overseas port visit, and we are looking forward to experiencing Japan, its culture, and some well deserved liberty."

Rafael Peralta and Russell participated in unit-level training while transiting the Pacific Ocean from their homeport of Naval Base San Diego. Though underway for a short time, Rafael Peralta and Russell Sailors express excitement about the visit.

"This port visit will be a great experience," said Russell Sailor, Fire Controlman 2nd Class Gavin Buckner. "I’m excited to experience a totally different culture and take a little break before we head back out to sea."

Rafael Peralta and Russell are currently deployed as part of Destroyer Squadron 23 with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, conducting maritime security operations to enhance partnerships and contribute to stability in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.