Fleet Activities Yokosuka

Branch: U.S. Navy
Location: Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Installation Type: Fleet Activities
Status: Active

Overview

Fleet Activities Yokosuka (FLEACT Yokosuka) is the largest U.S. naval installation in the Western Pacific, located at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, approximately 35 miles south of Tokyo. Established following World War II, the base has served as the forward-deployed home of the U.S. Seventh Fleet since 1973. Its primary mission is to provide, maintain, and operate base facilities and services in support of forward-deployed U.S. naval forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide support for forward-deployed U.S. naval forces assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan and Commander, Seventh Fleet, enabling sustained naval operations in the Western Pacific.
Major Units:
Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ)
Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet
USS George Washington (CVN-73) — aircraft carrier (forward-deployed as of 2024, replacing USS Ronald Reagan)
Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15
Multiple homeported surface combatants (destroyers and cruisers of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces — Japan)
Naval Air Facility Atsugi (associated tenant aviation unit)
Tenant Units:
Naval Hospital Yokosuka
NCIS Far East Field Office
Defense Logistics Agency — Japan
Navy Exchange Yokosuka
Multiple support commands and staff elements

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Yokosuka city (on-base); Tokyo approximately 50 km (31 miles) to the north
Nearest Commercial Airport: Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), approximately 40 km (25 miles); Narita International Airport (NRT), approximately 90 km (56 miles)
Gate Access: Multiple gates with varying hours; main gates require a valid CAC, military ID, or visitor pass. Visitors must be sponsored by an authorized ID cardholder and obtain a visitor pass at the visitor control center. Gate hours vary — check with the Provost Marshal Office for current schedules.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 7,000 – 10,000
Family Members: Approximately 10,000 – 12,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 5,000 (U.S. and Japanese national employees)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 25,000 – 27,000 (including Japanese National employees and contractors)

Key Facilities

Medical: Naval Hospital Yokosuka — full-service military hospital offering inpatient and outpatient care, specialty services, dental, and mental health services
Commissary: Yes — full-size commissary located on base; stocks a wide variety of American products; limited Japanese items also available
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Navy Exchange Yokosuka is one of the largest OCONUS NEX facilities, with a main store, specialty shops, food court, auto port, and ancillary retail
Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers (including the massive Berkey Field House), indoor and outdoor pools, bowling alley, golf course, marina, movie theater, and extensive MWR programming
Schools: DoDEA schools on base — Yokosuka Middle School, Yokosuka High School, and Sullivans Elementary School; additional DoDEA elementary schools in the area
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) available; waitlists can be significant — enroll early upon PCS orders receipt
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility located on base; offers routine care, vaccinations, health certificates, and limited specialty services
Legal Assistance / JAG: Region Legal Service Office Japan located on base; provides legal assistance by appointment and some walk-in services; handles wills, POAs, notarizations, and military justice matters

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by a privatized housing partner; mix of apartment-style towers and townhomes on base and at off-base annexes (Ikego Housing Area in Zushi, Negishi Housing Area in Yokohama); varying unit sizes from 1BR to 4+ BR
Average Wait Time: Varies by rank and unit size; waits of 3-12+ months are common for larger units; some members opt for off-base housing immediately upon arrival
Off-Base Housing: Ample options in surrounding communities including Yokosuka, Zushi, Hayama, Kamakura, and Yokohama; average rent for a 2-3 bedroom apartment or house ranges from approximately 100,000 – 200,000 JPY per month depending on location and size; larger homes or Tokyo commuting areas command higher rents
BAH Rate Reference: Check current Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Sponsors are assigned through the gaining command; contact the command sponsor coordinator prior to departure; Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) also provides sponsorship coordination assistance
In-Processing: Report to the Joint Personnel Processing Center (JPPC) or gaining command upon arrival; in-processing includes base access registration, housing application, vehicle registration, medical enrollment, and newcomer orientation
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP office located at Naval Hospital Yokosuka and coordinated through the FFSC; enrollment is mandatory before PCS orders are issued for all family members with special medical or educational needs; Japan has specific EFMP considerations due to limited local special education resources — early coordination is strongly advised

OCONUS-Specific Information

SOFA Status: U.S. personnel are covered under the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which governs jurisdiction, criminal matters, taxation, and the use of facilities. Military personnel and their dependents have specific legal protections and obligations distinct from Japanese civilian law. Personnel are subject to both UCMJ and, in some circumstances, Japanese law.
Host Nation Rules: Personnel must respect Japanese law and customs; certain activities that may be legal in the U.S. are regulated or prohibited in Japan. Noise ordinances are strictly observed in surrounding communities. Personnel must not operate vehicles while impaired under any circumstances — Japanese DUI laws are very strict. Carrying a small amount of over-the-counter medication that is legal in the U.S. may be restricted in Japan; consult the JAG office before bringing any medications.
Curfew Policy: Curfew and Liberty Risk restrictions are in effect for U.S. military personnel in Japan. The current Liberty Policy is issued by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ). A curfew (typically midnight to 5:00 a.m. for junior enlisted personnel) is enforced; Liberty Risk levels can be adjusted based on incidents. Personnel must comply with all restrictions or face disciplinary action. Check with your command for the current liberty policy as it is subject to change.
Ration Card / Customs: A ration control program is in place for tax-free and duty-free purchases from the commissary, NEX, and other base facilities. Personnel are issued ration cards and are limited in the quantity of certain goods (alcohol, tobacco, electronics) they can purchase tax-free. Sharing or selling rationed goods to non-authorized personnel is prohibited and a UCMJ offense.
Vehicle Registration & Licensing: U.S. personnel must register their vehicles through the Provost Marshal Office; a Japanese Automobile Inspection Certificate (Shaken) is required for privately owned vehicles on Japanese roads. Personnel must obtain a U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) driver’s license (converted from a valid U.S. state license) and are not typically required to obtain a Japanese civilian license under SOFA, but must comply with all Japanese traffic laws. Vehicle import requires Japanese safety inspection; right-hand-drive vehicles are also available for purchase on the local economy.
Language & Culture: Japanese (Nihongo) is the local language. Basic Japanese language study is highly encouraged; free or low-cost language classes are available through MWR and the FFSC. Key cultural norms include removing shoes before entering homes, bowing as a greeting, and exercising quiet consideration in residential neighborhoods. Japan is a high-context culture — awareness and respect for local customs significantly improves community relations.
Currency & Banking: Japanese Yen (JPY) is the local currency. Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA (ATM access), and Armed Forces Bank have on-base presence or ATM services. Exchange rates fluctuate; off-base purchases and bills are in JPY. Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still heavily used throughout Japan.
Travel Restrictions: Personnel are generally free to travel within Japan on authorized leave; travel to certain countries may require prior approval from the commanding officer. Personnel must not travel to North Korea or other restricted areas. Travel notification/leave request procedures apply per command policy.
Mail: APO address format: PSC [Box Number], FPO AP 96349 (address varies by unit). Standard U.S. postal rates apply to APO mail; delivery times from the continental U.S. are typically 1-2 weeks via priority mail. Large or prohibited items cannot be mailed through the APO.
Pets: Japan has strict pet import requirements. Dogs and cats entering Japan must be microchipped, fully vaccinated (rabies), and must have a valid health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian. Japan may require a quarantine period of up to 180 days if documentation requirements are not met well in advance of travel — early coordination (at least 6-7 months before PCS) is essential. Certain breeds may face additional restrictions. Contact the USDA APHIS and the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for current requirements. On-base pet registration is required.

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers (June-September), mild springs and autumns, and relatively mild winters with occasional cold snaps; rainy season (tsuyu) occurs June through mid-July; occasional typhoons in summer and fall
Cost of Living: Japan can be expensive compared to many U.S. locations; Yokosuka and surrounding areas are moderately priced relative to Tokyo, but daily expenses, dining out, and transportation can add up. OHA and COLA allowances help offset costs. The exchange rate significantly affects purchasing power.
Nearby Attractions: Kamakura (Great Buddha, ancient temples, beaches — approximately 15 km away); Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, historical sites, world-class dining — approximately 50 km away); Hakone (Mt. Fuji views, hot springs, ryokan traditional inns — approximately 60 km away); Yokohama Chinatown and waterfront
Spouse Employment: SOFA spouse employment on base is available through the NEX, commissary, DoDEA schools, and other base employers; Federal jobs are competitive. Off-base employment for non-Japanese-speaking spouses is limited. The FFSC offers spouse employment assistance and job search resources. Work authorization for SOFA-status spouses in Japan is restricted — consult the JAG office before pursuing off-base Japanese employment.

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/installations/fleetactivitiesyokosuka.html
Main Installation Phone: DSN 315-243-1110 / Commercial: +81-46-816-1110
MWR Website: https://www.navymwryokosuka.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Yokosuka — located on base; DSN 315-243-FFSC or commercial +81-46-816-FFSC; provides relocation assistance, deployment support, counseling, and financial counseling

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: CNIC official website (cnic.navy.mil), Commander Naval Forces Japan (cnfj.navy.mil), NavyMWR Yokosuka, Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), USDA APHIS pet import guidance, U.S.-Japan SOFA documentation. Note: Web search and fetch tools were unavailable during research — all information drawn from training knowledge current through August 2025. Verify all details at official sources before PCS travel.; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law