USS Robert Smalls Departed Japan for San Diego
The cruiser completed its final deployment from Yokosuka, marking a permanent change of station to California.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Military
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The USS Robert Smalls, the final U.S. Navy cruiser to leave Japan, departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka on October 5, 2026. The vessel is now transiting to San Diego for a new permanent homeport.
Why it matters
The ship's move represents a strategic shift in naval assets, as the USS Mustin has taken over its role within the Japan-based Carrier Strike Group 5. This transition marks a permanent change of station for the crew and their families.
The USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) has officially ended its tenure in Japan, which began in 2015 when the ship arrived as the USS Chancellorsville. The vessel was subsequently renamed the USS Robert Smalls in 2023.
The players
USS Robert Smalls
This Ticonderoga-class cruiser is a guided-missile warship that has now concluded its long-term deployment in the Pacific region.
USS Mustin
This Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer (DDG 89) serves as the replacement vessel within Carrier Strike Group 5.
Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
This command manages the surface warships of the U.S. Navy operating throughout the Pacific theater of operations.
The details
The warship is currently moving to the U.S. West Coast to join the Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Its departure signifies the end of the cruiser presence in the Japanese theater as the fleet continues its reorganization.
Timeline
The ship first arrived in Yokosuka in 2015 while operating as the USS Chancellorsville.
In 2023, the U.S. Navy officially renamed the vessel to the USS Robert Smalls.
The ship departed its base in Yokosuka on October 5, 2026.
Political Context
This homeport change follows the pattern set by the 2015 arrival of the USS Chancellorsville in Yokosuka, which established the ship's decade-long presence in Japan.
The arrival of the cruiser in San Diego will likely lead to a significant permanent change of station for hundreds of sailors and their families moving to the area. Local residents may see increased activity at the San Diego naval facilities as the ship integrates into the Pacific Fleet.
The takeaway
The redeployment reflects the ongoing rebalancing of naval assets across the Pacific theater. Sailors and military families should prepare for the logistical requirements of a permanent homeport transition to a new regional command.
Further reading
For more on local defense transitions, visit the Military section.
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