Eventful Service on the US Navy's 5th and 7th Fleets: Challenges and Advantages Compared to More Peaceful Regions

During my service in the US Navy, I had the unique opportunity to serve on board the USS THACH FFG-43, based in Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the 7th Fleet. This deployment was part of the US Navy's forward deployed program, where ships based in Japan and the surrounding regions remain at sea for longer periods compared to those based in the United States. In this article, we will explore the differences and challenges faced when serving with the 5th and 7th Fleets, especially in comparison to fleets stationed in more peaceful regions.

Operational Tempo (OPTEMPO) and Deployment Dynamics

The battleship deployment system at the time was based on Operational Tempo (OPTEMPO) metrics. For ships located in the United States, the standard was 50% of the time at sea and 50% in port over a five-year period. However, US Navy forward-deployed ships, particularly those based in Japan, had a higher OPTEMPO, scheduled for over 80% of the time at sea. This meant that while ships based in the US were less frequently deployed overseas, the forward-deployed ships in Asia and the Middle East were constantly operating under real-world conditions.

Operational Proficiency and Battle Readiness

The forward-deployed ships, such as the 7th Fleet based in Yokosuka, were at a higher state of operational efficiency. As they were designated as a permanent deployment, these ships operated as the tip of the spear, engaging in constant and diverse operations which simulate real-world scenarios. In contrast, ships based in the US would only deploy for real-world operations when they were specifically sent on a deployment overseas. As a result, the 7th Fleet, including the Midway Battle Group (Battle Group Alpha) at the time, was widely recognized as one of the most capable and readied battle groups, as evidenced by their extensive and continuous training under operational conditions.

The Impact on Readiness and Training

One of the most significant advantages of serving in the 7th Fleet was the constant state of readiness. Unlike the US-based ships, which reached their peak readiness just prior to deployment, the forward-deployed ships operated at this high level of readiness every day. This continuous training and engagement ensured that the crew was well-prepared for any deployment. It was not coincidental that the 7th Fleet's battle group maintained a high level of operational proficiency throughout the year.

Transfer and Comparison with East Coast Fleets

After my assignment to the USS THACH, I transferred to an East Coast ship, where I noticed a marked difference in the daily operational baseline proficiency. The East Coast ships, while still highly trained and capable, were at their peak readiness around the time they began their deployments. However, in the world of constant deployment, the 7th Fleet ships operated at that peak readiness level every day, every year. This difference in day-to-day baseline proficiency speaks to the unique challenges and advantages of serving in the 5th and 7th Fleets.

Conclusion

Serving on the 5th and 7th Fleets, particularly in areas of high operational tempo like the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, presents unique challenges and offers unparalleled opportunities for training and readiness. These fleets maintain a higher state of operational efficiency and continuously prepare for real-world scenarios, setting the standard for fleet readiness in the US Navy.

Whether you are a aspiring officer in the US Navy or a casual reader interested in maritime security, understanding the dynamics of the 5th and 7th Fleets provides insight into the modern challenges and responsibilities of serving in the US Navy.

Keywords: US Navy, Fifth Fleet, Seventh Fleet, Operational Tempo, Fleet Readiness