USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived in its new homeport of Naval Station Everett, Washington October 15, 2021.
The ship was previously forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, where it departed September 17. The move comes just a few months after the ship returned from a seven month independent deployment, during which the ship participated in the annual multinational exercise MALABAR alongside the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Royal Australian Navy.
During the ship’s transit to Everett, McCain conducted a port visit in Hawaii and participated in San Francisco Fleet Week.
“We are so excited to arrive in our new homeport of Everett,” said Cmdr. Tin Tran, USS John S. McCain’s commanding officer. “This ship and her crew did so much good work with our allies and partners in 7th Fleet, and we’re looking forward to training and operating in 3rd Fleet. Everett has provided such a warm reception; our sailors are truly looking forward to integrating into the local community.”
McCain had been a part of the Navy’s forward deployed naval force in U.S. 7th Fleet since 1997. The ship’s missions included strengthening U.S. alliances and partnerships, conducting maritime security, and promoting regional stability to help enable a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Now based in U.S. 3rd Fleet, McCain is joining the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, the “Little Beavers.”
“We are thrilled to have USS John S. McCain join the DESRON 23 Little Beaver team,” said Capt. Steven McDowell, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 23. “This ship and her crew have a fantastic reputation for warfighting excellence and after 24 years forward deployed, will be a valuable asset to the Eastern-Pacific region. We look to draw upon her tactical experience operating in the Indo-Pacific region to continue to advance the squadron’s warfighting development in the Surface and Sub-surface mission areas.”
Homeport Northwest 