Welcome

Congratulations on your orders to the finest warship in the Pacific, USS HOWARD (DDG 83), home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. HOWARD is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.

Before your arrival in Japan, please sign up for the Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Shuttle from Narita or Haneda Airport to United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka at this link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/installations/cfa_yokosuka/about/installation_guide/getting_here/narita_airport_shuttle_bus.html.

Please see the CFAY Facebook page for the most recent COVID-19 guidance for SOFA members in Japan.

If the ship is underway when you arrive, report to Transient Personnel Unit (TPU), located on Kinkaid St. between Unaccompanied Housing and the Yokosuka Main Navy Exchange (NEX). TPU will provide you with assistance getting to the ship. A map of the base can be found at this link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/installations/cfa_yokosuka/about/installation_guide/installation_map.html

Upon arrival in Japan, every incoming military and SOFA civilian is required to attend the Area Orientation Brief Inter-Cultural Relations (AOB/ICR). AOB/ICR is offered weekly from Tuesday through Thursday. Sign up by emailing AOBICR@fe.navy.mil with the names of the attendees and your gaining command (USS HOWARD). Liberty off base is not authorized until completion of AOB/ICR.

To request a sponsor please send an email to sponsor@ddg83.navy.mil. Your sponsor can help answer many of your questions!

An Ombudsman serves as an advocate and point of contact for HOWARD family members. You may contact the HOWARD ombudsman Mrs. Clarese Long at howardombudsman@gmail.com​.

Information about Yokosuka and a Welcome Aboard package can be found at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/installations/cfa_yokosuka/ffr/WelcomeAboard.html.

If you have any questions, please reference the links below or feel free to contact our Command Master Chief at cmc@ddg83.navy.mil.

The Sailors' Creed

I am a United States Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.
I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.