The forward-deployed U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), arrives at Sasebo Naval Base, Oct. 14, 2024. Frank Cable is underway supporting U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, repairs, rearms, and re-provisions submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Karri Langerman)

Forward-deployed U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) departed Sasebo, Japan, after a scheduled port visit, Oct. 16. During the visit, Frank Cable hosted key leaders from Fleet Activities, Sasebo, and showcased the range of capabilities Frank Cable is poised to deliver.

For more than 75 years, the U.S.-Japan Alliance has been the linchpin of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Security Strategy. The alliance facilitates forward deployment of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced military units and capabilities, and supports U.S. forces operating throughout the region.

“As forward-deployed naval forces, we are grateful for this unique privilege to visit Japan, replenish our ship, and provide our crew firsthand insight into an alliance that is a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Mike Thompson, Frank Cable’s commanding officer. “Our alliance is strong and will continue to evolve as we train and operate together.”

While in port, Frank Cable Sailors also supported the local community by participating in a park clean up at the Kujukushima Tourist Park, a short distance from Fleet Activities, Sasebo.

“It felt great to give back to the community here in Sasebo after we were welcomed with such open arms,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Madelyn Thompson, from Boise, Idaho. “The views here were amazing. This has been my first time out of the United States, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to engage with other cultures and make such wonderful memories.”

The Kujukushima Tourist Park is known for its panoramic views of the Kujuku Islands ranging off the western coast of mainland Japan. While Kujuku means “ninety-nine” in Japanese, the Kujuku Islands consist of 208 islands and are said to be the densest patch of islands in Japan.

Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, provides expeditionary intermediate-level maintenance, services, and logistics support to deployed submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region. Frank Cable is currently conducting routine operations in support of national security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.