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Athens · Friday, 16 October 2026

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The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt arriving at the Yokosuka naval base in Japan

Asia-Pacific

USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group arrives in Yokosuka ahead of exercise Keen Sword

The U.S. 7th Fleet says the carrier, a cruiser and a destroyer have reached Yokosuka for maintenance, resupply and preparation for Keen Sword, the bilateral exercise with Japan.

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2 min read

Photo: U.S. Navy, Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) carrier strike group has arrived at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan, the U.S. 7th Fleet said, in what it describes as a port visit to prepare for the bilateral exercise Keen Sword. The photograph released with the announcement is dated 16 October.

The Nimitz-class carrier, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 9, is accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73). The 7th Fleet says the group is conducting routine operations in its area of responsibility.

What the visit is for

According to the 7th Fleet, the stop in Yokosuka serves for maintenance and resupply, rest for the crews, and preparation for Keen Sword, which it calls a routine, biennial bilateral field training exercise meant to improve readiness and interoperability between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces. The release refers to preparations for Keen Sword 2027. The strike group will also hold professional exchanges with counterparts from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to align tactical procedures.

Capt. Will Mathis, the carrier’s commanding officer, said the crew is “honored to visit Yokosuka”, adding that port visits are “vital for crew morale and mission readiness.” Rear Adm. Marcos Jasso, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9, called the U.S.-Japan Alliance “the cornerstone of peace and security across the region.”

Background

Geopolitiki has described the planned scope of the exercise in Keen Sword 27: Japan and the US to drill defence of the south-western islands, with 45,000 Japanese troops and missiles on Yonaguni and Ishigaki. The 7th Fleet announcement does not give dates or a training schedule for the exercise itself, and does not say how long the strike group will stay in port.

Aircraft carrier Japan Military exercises Navy United States

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