The U.S. submarine Missouri enters Yokosuka port for the third time.

The Virginia-class is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines (SSNs) first commissioned for the U.S. Navy in 2004. Designed for post-Cold War missions, they were built to replace the older Los Angeles-class submarines and are equipped for a wide range of roles, including open-ocean and littoral (near-shore) operations. These technologically advanced submarines are continually being built and updated in new blocks to maintain American undersea dominance.

Missouri is a U.S. state located in the Midwest, historically known as the “Gateway to the West.” It played a pivotal role in American westward expansion, famously serving as the embarkation point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Oregon and Santa Fe trails. Its cultural identity is deeply tied to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, which shaped its development as a major transportation and trade hub.

The U.S. Navy was established by the Continental Congress in 1775 and is one of the world’s largest and most powerful naval forces. It has played a pivotal role in securing American maritime interests and projecting power globally throughout the nation’s history, from the War of 1812 to modern conflicts.

Yokosuka Base is a major United States Navy base located in Yokosuka, Japan, which has served as a strategic naval facility since the late 19th century. Originally established by the Imperial Japanese Navy, it became the home port for the US Seventh Fleet after World War II and remains a key American military installation in the Pacific to this day.

Yokosuka City is a major port city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, with a significant naval history. It has been a key maritime base since the opening of its shipyard in 1865 and currently hosts both the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The city is also known for its unique blend of Japanese and American cultures, evident in its local cuisine and annual events.