Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) arrived in Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan, May 19 to participate in the 77th annual Black Ship Festival.

This year's event memorializes the 162nd anniversary of the landing of Commodore Matthew Perry and the signing of the Japan-American Treaty of Trade and Amity June 17, 1854, which opened Japan to the world.

The name "black ship" refers to the four ships of the Perry Expedition that arrived in Uraga Harbor July 14, 1853. "Black" refers to the color of the older sailing vessels, and the black smoke from the coal engines of the American ships.

This time-honored festival fosters peaceful relations between the Japanese and American people.

"It's an honor that our Sailors from Curtis Wilbur have the opportunity to participate in this year's Black Ship Festival," said Cmdr. Amy Graham, commanding officer of Curtis Wilbur. "This festival is a great representation of the ties that the United States and Japan have, and how they have continued since Commodore Matthew Perry landed in Shimoda in 1854."

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship, JDS Hatazake (DDG 171), a Hatazake-class guided missile destroyer, will join Curtis Wilbur in Shimoda for the festival.

The highlight of the festival will be an official parade beginning in Shimoda Park. Curtis Wilbur will represent the U.S. Navy while marching alongside Hatazake sailors and Shimoda residents.

"It's rewarding to be one of the select few Sailors that have the opportunity to participate with our allies," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class Annamarie Taft Montes, Curtis Wilbur crew member. "I never pictured myself having this experience; it truly shows the standing camaraderie between our navies."

Curtis Wilbur Sailors will also take part in goodwill activities such as visits to local elementary schools, various sporting events, and tours of the city.

Shimoda, with a population of approximately 29,000, hosts the renowned event, which draws tourists from throughout Japan in May each year.

Curtis Wilbur is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

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