From USS Benfold Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) hosted over 20,000 local residents as part of the annual Spring Festival 2023 open base event March 25 in Yokosuka, Japan. The Spring Festival, aligned with Kanagawa’s Cherry Blossom season, first launched in 1993 to promote relationship building between Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) and the people of Japan. On average, the Spring Festival draws more than 30,000 visitors.

This year’s event marked the first opportunity for Japanese residents to tour Benfold, a visit the base in four years. Shipboard tours provided the local community a unique opportunity to interact with U.S. Sailors and better understand the daily life of the service members that Yokosuka hosts.

“It’s a pleasure to represent the US Navy to the Yokosuka community,” said Fire Controlman First Class Kyle Hernandez-Sabara, Weapons Department Leading Petty Officer. “We are all proud to showcase our ship for today’s guests. I hope these events further strengthen our ties with the local community and demonstrate our commitment to the defense of Japan.”

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) strives to maintain its positive relationship with the City of Yokosuka and the Japanese people. CFAY hosts three open base events a year (Spring Festival,

Friendship Day, and the Mikoshi Parade). It is the Command’s hope that every visitor gains better insight on the importance of the Yokosuka Naval base and its contribution to the U.S./Japan Alliance.

The Commanding Officer of Benfold, Cmdr. Marcus Seeger, has served nearly half of his naval career in Yokosuka, Japan. “The wonderful city of Yokosuka has been my home for over eight years,” said Seeger. “What an honor it is for me to finally host our local community onboard this great warship.” Since arriving in 7th in 2016, Benfold has worked hand in hand with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) on operations across the Pacific. From joint USN/JMSDF deployments to multi-national

exercises, Benfold has led the effort in strengthening cooperation and integration with the JMSDF.

“When our ships return from sea, our most critical mission as a Forward Deployed Naval Force is to strengthen ties with our local community,” said Seeger.

USS Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron 15, 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.