USS SHOUP Completes First Forward-Deployed Naval Patrol March 2023

by Ensign Jayla Darby

23 May 2023 JAPAN -- COMBINED FLEET ACTIVITY, Yokosuka - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS SHOUP (DDG 86) returned to Combined Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Japan , following the completion of its first Forward-Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations, Mar. 23.

SHOUP arrived in Seventh Fleet, Dec. 22’, as the newest FDNF ship under Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEEN to conduct naval operations in the South China Sea in support of U.S. national security.

“I’m extremely excited for SHOUP to join the DESRON 15 and Seventh Fleet Team. We’ve been training for over two years for this opportunity,” said CDR D. R. Tourtelotte, Commanding Officer.

Once SHOUP’s crew had time to acclimate to their new surroundings which included many trips to appreciate what Japan had to offer as their new home. For Her first task in Seventh Fleet, SHOUP joined a U.S.-JMSDF five-ship Surface Action Group for a multiple week-long operations in the Philippine Sea. SHOUP began the patrol just like nothing had changed from previous underways and exercises with the crew’s mindset already established on one goal. Knowing their new role and responsibility. SHOUP’s CMC, CMDCM J. S. Houske expressed urgency through his energetic rendition of the ship’s new command philosophy, “STRENGTH, HONOR, OWNERSHIP, UNITY, PRESERVATION!!!”

Following SHOUP’s underway time of 36 consecutive days out to sea, a port visit was in the plans. Guam was the perfect place to have SHOUP sailors relax as well as replenish much needed stores and supplies to continue to be the most capable destroyer or the “Tip of the Spear” in most cases based out of Yokosuka, Japan. Sailors took advantage of the vast beaches and historical landmarks like Tumon Beach and War in the Pacific Historical Park. SHOUP sailors were in awe of the mesmerizing views displayed at Two Lover’s Point and natural attractions like Pagat Caves.

“The SHOUP team worked extremely hard at sea and accomplished the mission with near-perfection despite a seemingly endless pattern of storms in the Philippine Sea. The port visit in the beautiful island of Guam was a nice change of scenery for the crew. The time in port was used to relax, enjoy the sun, and resupply before setting sail for our homeport of Yokosuka,” comments LCDR T.M. Winters, Executive Officer.

As SHOUP completes its inaugural FDNF patrol, the ship travelled through the Seventh Fleet AOR as it accrued many of accomplishments to be proud of based on the crew’s resiliency and technical prowess. Accomplishments like 750 newly qualified sailors in rating and watch stations, 2 newly appointed LDOs, 1 DESRON SOY, Newly appointed CMDCS Coutcher, 5 Full power runs, over 40 hours combined, 3 newly qualified ESWS Warriors, lastly as a fitting end to help cool down the crew…A successful Ice Cream Social.

“The SHOUP Team had an outstanding first patrol in the Seventh Fleet AOR. I’m very proud of how well this crew performed,” said CDR D. R. Tourtelotte, Commanding Officer.

USS SHOUP, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan operates in support of U.S. national security interests in the C7F area of operations tied to COMBINED FLEET ACTIVITY, Yokosuka. Through it all USS SHOUP proved to be a valuable asset in Seventh fleet to its new DESRON and allies alike.