USS Shoup Completes 2nd FDNF-J Patrol

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Riley Black

09 June 2023
YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) returned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, following completion of its second Forward-Deployed Naval Forces – Japan (FDNF-J) patrol in the U.S. Seventh Fleet Area of Operations, June 8, 2023.

Shoup departed for patrol, May 4, 2023, and sailed the North Pacific Ocean, directly supporting U.S. National Security Interests in the region.

Commander Dale Tourtelotte emphasizes the importance of strengthening international ties by having a scheduled port visit in Sendai, Japan that started May 29th. This was the first port visit for a United States Naval Warship in Sendai since 2010.

Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Timothy Winters states, “Shoup, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and assigned to DESRON 15, patrols the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region”. Shoup sailors’ continue to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of their watch standing duties, equipment, and technical systems are vital to national security and freedom of the seas. “Life at sea is demanding, and maintaining proficiency is a non-stop effort that this crew has embraced.” [through the ship’s second patrol].

Shoup began its second patrol by conducting one anchorage, three underway replenishments, an emergency flight quarters and one full power run. Some of the patrol highlights included two naval officers qualifying for their Surface Warfare pins, 12 sailors obtaining their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) pin, and forty sailors promoting through ranks, E-1 to E-8.

Shoup’s Navigator, Lieutenant Junior Grade Joseph Kocevar, focusing on the importance of high morale stated, “Before returning to Homeport, Shoup Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee (MWR) organized a steele beach picnic and Mother’s Day gift giving with the Commanding Officer to recognize and appreciate the hard work of the crew.” Shoup prides itself on an excellent work ethic from their sailors and their chain of command, rewarding the hard working crew with these events creates a healthy work environment.