While the Izumo ships initially only embarked helicopters, many observers noted they could accommodate larger airframes. This was later confirmed by officials in the Japanese military – the design was intended to handle the American-made F-35B, the VTOL variant of the Lightning II.
Ever since the U.S. began assuring its sovereignty at the conclusion of the Second World War, Japan has been limited in the size and scope of its military. Their very constitution limits possession of offensive weapons. One such weapon is the aircraft carrier. While most developed nations with naval presences and a vested interest in maritime security have aircraft carriers, Japan does not. There is a strong argument to be made, however, that Tokyo’s helicopter destroyers are functionally the same.
In the early 2000s, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force developed the Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer. The Hyuga and her sister-ship Ise represented the largest ships built for the Japanese navy in over half a century when they were introduced.
These destroyers are well-equipped and possess similar specifications as the Italian Giuseppe Garibaldi and Spanish Principe de Asturias light aircraft carriers. Both warships are armed with a Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) for self-defense and with a 16-cell VLS sporting the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile surface-to-air missile. The two ships are primarily used in anti-submarine (ASW) activities.
While neither embarks fixed wing aircraft, their size and shape closely resemble light aircraft carriers.
Izumo-class destroyer:
The Izumo-class ships were planned following their Hyuga predecessors and are even larger in size, They too, were announced as being intended for anti-submarine operations with seven ASW helicopters and two search and rescue helicopters. They bear the same CIWS defense system as the Hyugas while also possessing a SeaRAM missile system.
While the Izumo ships initially only embarked helicopters, many observers noted they could accommodate larger airframes. This was later confirmed by officials in the Japanese military – the design was intended to handle the American-made F-35B, the VTOL variant of the Lightning II.
In 2018, the Japanese cabinet approved modifications to enable the Izumo and her sister ship Kaga to operate with the F-35. While some say this makes them capable of offensive operations thus violating the Japanese Constitution, the Japanese government maintains that they are strictly for defensive purposes.
Japan’s Secret Aircraft Carriers?
Regardless of any statements, in 2021 a fixed-wing F-35B operated by the U.S. Marine Corps successfully took off from and landed on the JS Izumo. While she may still be called a destroyer or helicopter carrier to avoid running afoul of Japanese law, this successful test for all intents and purposes means she is now an aircraft carrier.
With modifications on the Izumo underway and those on the Kaga nearly complete, Japan now possesses its first aircraft carriers in decades.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is now capable of operating far from the air cover of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which provides a defensive depth previously missing. While the Izumo ships are a step in the right direction, these destroyers lack offensive capabilities and therefore cannot be adequately compared to other carriers including in the U.S., UK, China or Russia.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 1, 2024, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.
Ships Underway
Total Battle Force
Deployed
Underway
293 (USS 233, USNS 60)
94 (USS 63, USNS 31)
54 (43 Deployed, 11 Local)
In Japan
Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Vicente Ponce, from Harlingen, Texas, checks fuse continuity on an aircraft engine component test stand in the generator shop aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, March 26, 2024. US Navy Photo
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port in Yokosuka. The carrier is set to depart for the East Coast later this year. USS George Washington (CVN-73) will replace Reagan in Japan.
In the Philippine Sea
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) sails in formation with USS America (LHA-6), the Kongo-class destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173), USS Howard (DDG-83) and USS Dewey (DDG-105) in the Philippine Sea, March 27, 2024. US Navy Photo
USS America (LHA-6) is operating in the Philippine Sea.
In the South China Sea
Sailors attend an Easter sunrise service on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), March 31, 2024. US Navy Photo
Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is underway in the South China Sea.
The carrier has been using older C-2A Greyhounds as a temporary carrier-onboard delivery vehicle while the CMV-22B fleet was grounded following the November crash of an Air Force MV-22B Osprey off the coast of Japan.
Earlier this month, the grounding of the Ospreys was lifted, and the Navy has begun recertifying crews and aircraft for the logistics operations.
Carrier Strike Group 9
An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the ‘Black Knights’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, launches off the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), March 30, 2024. US Navy Photo
Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
Carrier Air Wing 11
The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
The “Black Knights” of VFA 154 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The “Blue Blasters” of VFA 34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Flying Checkmates” of VFA 211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.
The “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.
Cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Destroyer Squadron 23 Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt.
USS John S. McCain(DDG-56), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
USS Halsey(DDG-97), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In the Pacific
Seaman Keith Czifra makes preparations to launch U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane’s (WMEC-903) 26-foot over-the-horizon small boat in the Coral Sea, March 15, 2024. US Coast Guard Photo
USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) was in port at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as of Monday.
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) arrived in San Francisco on Sunday.
USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903) arrived Majuro, Marshall Islands, on Saturday and departed on Monday. The cutter is on its first deployment since the cutter relocated to Hawaii.
In the Red Sea
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducts flight operations in the Red Sea, March 22, 2024. US Navy Photo
U.S. ships continue to patrol the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led multinational effort to protect ships moving through the region. Houthi forces in Yemen continue to attack merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while U.S. naval forces in the region have continued cBetween 6:00 and 10:56 p.m. (Sanaa time) on March 28, and for the second day in a row, United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed four unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. These UAS were aimed at a Coalition vessel and a U.S. warship and were engaged in self defense over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported to U.S. or coalition ships. strikes against Houthi weapons that U.S. Central Command says are a threat to naval and merchant ships. Houthi forces say they are targeting ships with connections to the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Israel.
As of Monday, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was operating in the Red Sea.
Ike deployed on Oct. 14, while several of the carrier’s escorts left on Oct. 13. The carrier transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and transited the Suez Canal on Nov. 4.
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 10 approved a resolution calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebel group to “cease its brazen” attacks in the Red Sea.
Carrier Strike Group 2
Sailors participate in flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in the Red Sea, March 21, 2024. US Navy Photo
Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Carrier Air Wing 3
The “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA 32 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
The “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
The “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 – MH-60S – from Naval Station Norfolk.
Cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Destroyer Squadron 22
A sailor looks through a pelorus aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87) during a strait transit, Feb. 26, 2024. US Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 22 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Eisenhower.
USS Gravely(DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
USS Mason(DDG-87), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
On Saturday, Central Command (CENTCOM) forces destroyed two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – one over the Red Sea and one in Yemen.
On Thursday, and for the second day in a row, CENTCOM forces destroyed four Houthi UAS aimed at a Coalition vessel and a U.S. warship.
On Wednesday, CENTCOM forces destroyed four long-range Houthi UASs aimed at a U.S. warship.
The Houthi UASs were destroyed in the Red Sea. Central Command did not identify which forces were invovled.
In the Persian Gulf
Sailors signal to a MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, during flight operations aboard the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS-17) in the Persian Gulf, March 23, 2024. US Navy Photo
U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In the Eastern Pacific
An F-35B Lightning II aircraft, assigned to the ‘Vikings’ of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) as the ship steams in the Pacific Ocean, March 24, 2024. US Navy Photo
Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) was spotted returning to San Diego, Calif., last Monday, according to ship spotters. The big deck amphibious ship is slated to deploy later this month.
In the Eastern Atlantic
MV Roy A. Benavides on March 15, 2024. USNI News Photo
The ships carrying pieces to build a humanitarian aid pier in Gaza are in the midst of their journey across the Atlantic.
Five U.S. Army watercraft and a Marine Administration ready reserve transport WHAT’S SUPPOSED TO BE CAPITALIZED HERE ship are underway headed to the Eastern Mediterranean. USAV General Frank S. Benson (LSV-1) left Joint Base Langley-Eustis on March 9, and, as of Monday, it was in the vicinity of the Azores approaching the Strait of Gibraltar.
On March 12, USAV SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-6) and the smaller USAV Montorrey (LCU-2030), USAV Matamoros (LCU-2026) and USAV Wilson Wharf (LCU-2011) were sailing halfway across the Atlantic. The MARAD ship MV Roy P. Benavidez (TAKR-306) left on March 21 with the majority of the modular causeway pieces for the pier loaded aboard. As of Monday, Benavidez was sailing south of the Italian island of Sardinia.
Back on the East Coast, Military Sealift Command ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (T-AK-3010) and USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (AK-3008) are loading parts of the Naval Beach Group One’s similar floating pier system to operate in tandem with the Army’s system.
The general concept will have the Army build a pier that will be anchored to the shore in Gaza with no U.S. personnel setting foot in Israel. The Navy will build a transfer point two to three miles offshore where cargo – likely originating in Cyprus – will be transferred to the Army watercraft to be taken to the pier.
Based on the initial timelines, the pier could be completed by mid-May.
In the Western Atlantic
An MV-22B Osprey, assigned to the ‘Blue Knights’ of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (REIN), holds on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) during flight operations on March 27, 2024. US Navy Photo
USS Wasp (LHD-1) was spotted returning to Norfolk, Va., on Thursday, according to ship spotters.
In addition to these major formations, not shown are others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Seabees, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.
Three amphibious assault vehicles (AAV-7A1) are offloaded from Military Sealift Command vessel USNS SGT William R. Button (T-AK-3012) in a maritime prepositioning force training evolution in Port Hueneme, California during Exercise Pacific Blitz 2019 (PacBlitz19). US Navy Photo
A fire broke out in the engine room of the USNS Sgt. William R. Button (T-AK-3012), leaving it stranded off the coast of Dauphin Island in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday.
Sgt. William R. Button is a Military Sealift Command ship. It was conducting routine operations at the time of the fire, MST spokesman Thomas Van Leunen told USNI News in a statement.
There were 53 people aboard the ship at the time of the fire, which left the ship stranded about 24 miles from Dauphin Island, according to Alabama’s Channel 5 News WKRG. The crew was able to use the onboard CO2 fire suppression system to extinguish the fire, according to Van Leunen’s statement. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries.
Four tugboats brought the ship to Alabama Shipyard in Mobile, Ala. It was expected to arrive by 6 a.m. Friday, but did not make it until 12:45 p.m., according to WKRG.
Button was in Alabama for scheduled maintenance, Van Leunen said in the statement. The ship is part of the Navy’s Maritime Prepositioning Force.
General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division in Quincy, Mass., built the ship, which the Navy acquired in 1986. It entered service under MSC as MV Sgt. William R. Button and then entered the service as USNS Sgt. William R. Button in 2009, according to the Navy.
SAM LAGRONE APRIL 1, 2024 7:14 PM – UPDATED: APRIL 2, 2024 1:24 PM
U.S. Marines assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver an Amphibious Combat Vehicle into a security position during an amphibious raid mission walk-through at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 21, 2024. US Marine Corps Photo
The post has been updated to correct comments made by assistant commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney on the ACV deployment on USS Boxer (LHD-4).
THE PENTAGON – Amphibious warship USS Boxer (LHD-4) departed from San Diego, Calif., on Monday for a delayed deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, two defense officials confirmed to USNI News. Boxer left San Diego Bay in the early afternoon with sailors manning the rails, according to photos from ship spotters. The big deck is the flagship of the three-ship Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, which includes USS Somerset (LPD-25) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49).
The deployment will be the first for the Marines with their Amphibious Combat Vehicle, the successor to the retired Assault Amphibious Vehicle.
Renamed HMS Reaper (D82), the carrier operated in the Royal Navy for the duration of World War II. After arriving at Norfolk, Virginia, on 13 May 1946, Reaper was decommissioned on 20 May and returned to the United States Government. Authorized for disposal on 14 June, Winjah was struck from the Navy Registry on 8 July and sold to the Waterman Steamship Company of Mobile, Alabama, on 12 February 1947 as South Africa Star. She was scrapped in Japan in May 1967.
Just after World War II, Reaper was responsible for bringing from Cherbourg Harbour many examples of former German Luftwaffe aircraft captured by the American military’s Operation Lusty over to North America, such as the sole examples of the Arado Ar 234 jet reconnaissance bomber, and the Heinkel He 219 night fighter, that exist in American aviation museums in the 21st century. The aircraft arrived by air from Germany to Querqueville Airfield which is under a kilometer away from Cherbourg.
