Fleet Activities Sasebo
Fleet Activities Sasebo PCS Guide
Military Base History
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Fleet Activities Sasebo began as a Japanese naval base in 1883, serving as a key shipbuilding and repair facility for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Its strategic location on Kyushu’s western coast made it vital for supporting regional naval operations and projecting maritime power throughout East Asia.
After World War II, the U.S. Navy took control of the installation in 1946 and renamed it U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo. The base quickly became a logistics and support hub for U.S. forces during the Korean War, providing repair, resupply, and staging services for the Seventh Fleet.
Over the decades, Sasebo expanded its facilities to accommodate larger ships and more personnel, reflecting its growing importance during the Cold War. The base’s role evolved as global security needs changed.
During the Vietnam War, Sasebo played a crucial role as a forward logistics base, supporting naval operations in Southeast Asia. The base has hosted a variety of units, including amphibious and surface warfare ships, and has supported both U.S. and allied naval operations in the Pacific.
Today, Fleet Activities Sasebo remains a critical U.S. Navy installation in Japan. It supports forward-deployed naval forces, enhances regional security, and fosters close ties with the local Japanese community.
The base continues to evolve, adapting to new missions and technologies while maintaining its longstanding strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Major Units & Training Programs
Chief Operations Specialist Giancarlo Marin, a craftmaster assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, assists Ryota Nakatsuji, Kyushu Defense Bureau (KDB) Planning Director, with a Night Vision Device during a demonstration at NBU 7’s Yokose Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) Facility at Commander,...
Major Units
Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS)
CFAS provides logistic, administrative, and operational support to U.S. Navy ships, submarines, and personnel operating in the Western Pacific. The command ensures readiness and sustainment for forward-deployed naval forces.
Amphibious Squadron 11 (PHIBRON 11)
PHIBRON 11 commands and controls assigned amphibious ships and supports amphibious operations, including transport and landing of Marine Expeditionary Units throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 (MCMRON 7)
MCMRON 7 oversees mine warfare operations, ensuring freedom of navigation by managing mine countermeasures ships and conducting training and exercises in mine detection and clearance.
Training Schools
Sasebo Waterfront Training
Overview
Provides operational readiness training for shipboard personnel, including damage control, firefighting, and force protection exercises tailored to forward-deployed naval forces.
Course Length
Varies (typically 1-2 weeks per course)
Who Attends
Shipboard sailors and embarked personnel
Arrival & In-Processing
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Harold Richards, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), responds to a simulated gate-runner during the installation’s Region Assessment (RASS) at CFAS Feb. 15, 2023. RASS is part of Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC) Navy Security Force...
Welcome to Fleet Activities Sasebo! Arriving prepared ensures a smooth transition for you and your family. Knowing what to expect at the gate and during check-in helps you start your assignment on the right foot. For more information, visit the official Fleet Activities Sasebo website.
The main entry point for Fleet Activities Sasebo is the Main Gate, located at the primary base entrance. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. Always carry your Military ID or CAC for access. State driver’s licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for entry. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s strong security posture. If you need to bring visitors or family members onto base, they must obtain a visitor pass. Sponsors must accompany guests to the Visitor Control Center for processing and pass issuance.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Passport (for overseas assignments)
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Marriage Certificate
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
Fleet Activities Sasebo offers a robust sponsor program. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit’s administrative office or use the online sponsor request form provided in your welcome packet. Your sponsor will assist with arrival logistics and in-processing.
Report to the Welcome Center in Building 80 for in-processing. The center is near the Main Gate for easy access upon arrival. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. You’ll check in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Most in-processing is completed within 2–3 business days, but allow extra time for overseas requirements.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is just outside the Main Gate. It is open Monday through Friday, 0700–1700. The VCC issues visitor passes, handles DBIDS registration, and processes guest sponsorship requests. Sponsors must be present for guest processing.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
A moving truck is unloaded as a family moves into their new home. The "Making the Right Move" workshop assists service members and their families by informing them of what to expect at their next duty station and how to prepare for their travels.
Fleet Activities Sasebo is an OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) Navy installation in Japan. If you receive orders to Sasebo, start by reading your orders carefully. Next, contact your local Transportation Office to schedule your move and discuss options for shipping your Household Goods (HHG) or arranging a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move. Most personnel use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to manage shipments and track progress online.
For OCONUS moves, entitlements differ from CONUS. You may be eligible for up to 60 days of Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) upon arrival, which helps cover lodging costs while you secure permanent housing. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset the cost of relocating your household. Make sure you understand your weight allowances and entitlements by reviewing the official DoD Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) website.
Moving to Sasebo involves international shipping, customs, and additional paperwork. Start early and keep in close contact with your sponsor and the local Transportation Office. Always keep important documents with you during travel. Check the base website for arrival guides and local resources to help you settle in quickly.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep passports, orders, and travel documents with you.
- Understand OCONUS shipping restrictions and customs rules.
- Photograph and inventory your household goods before pack-out.
- Coordinate pet travel early due to quarantine requirements.
- Monitor DPS for real-time updates on your shipment.
- Review Sasebo’s housing options before arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Manage your move, schedule shipments, and track progress.
Find official rates and entitlements for your move.
Access relocation assistance, counseling, and planning tools.
Official base information, newcomer guides, and contacts.
Schools & Childcare
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Fleet Activities Sasebo offers strong educational support for military families. While there are no DoDEA schools on base, students can attend DoDEA schools in Sasebo city. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) connects families with school registration, transition support, and local resources. Families are encouraged to contact the SLO early to discuss options and ensure a smooth move.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is DoD-certified and follows strict safety and curriculum standards.
School Age Care (SAC) Program
SAC offers before- and after-school care, holiday camps, and summer programs for school-age children. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation, it focuses on enrichment, homework help, and recreation.
Youth & Teen Center
The Youth & Teen Center provides safe, supervised activities, leadership clubs, and special events for preteens and teens. Programs encourage social growth, leadership, and personal development.
Local Schools
Sasebo Elementary School (DoDEA)
Sasebo Elementary is a DoDEA school serving grades K-5. The school is known for its supportive environment and programs tailored to the needs of military children. It receives positive feedback for its small class sizes and dedicated staff.
E.J. King Middle/High School (DoDEA)
E.J. King serves grades 6-12 and is part of the DoDEA Pacific district. The school offers rigorous academics, Advanced Placement courses, and a variety of clubs and athletics. Families appreciate its close-knit community and strong student support.