Destroyer Squadron 15

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Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15), also known as Task Force 71, is a unit of the United States Navy. It is the largest destroyer squadron in the Navy, made up of ten Arleigh Burke‑class destroyers forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. The commander of DESRON 15 also serves as Commander, Task Force 71, which oversees independent cruiser and destroyer deployments, U.S. Coast Guard Title 10 missions, and allied surface operations in the Western Pacific.

DESRON 15 acts as the Theater Surface Warfare Commander for the Seventh Fleet’s area of responsibility. Its ships are the main surface combatants in the region, and the squadron staff can deploy with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group. The Deputy Commodore serves as Sea Combat Commander for the carrier strike group, handling several warfare and coordination roles.

History: The squadron was founded in 1920. It went through many changes and was inactive at times. It fought in World War II in the Mediterranean. After the war it was renamed and reorganized several times, and in 1971 it became a permanently forward‑deployed unit in Yokosuka, Japan. Since then it has supported multiple carrier strike groups in the Western Pacific.

In 2021, the Seventh Fleet reorganized, and DESRON 15 was designated as Commander, Task Force 71 to lead Theater Surface Warfare for the Seventh Fleet. It coordinates allied and partner naval operations in the Western Pacific and hosts liaison officers from many other navies.

The squadron comprises ten Arleigh Burke‑class destroyers forward deployed to Yokosuka.