Alex Wilson

Alex Wilson covers the U.S. Navy and other services from Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Originally from Knoxville, Tenn., he holds a journalism degree from the University of North Florida. He previously covered crime and the military in Key West, Fla., and business in Jacksonville, Fla.

@AlexMNWilson

wilson.alex@stripes.com

Red circles on this graphic mark the locations of recent Japanese government PFAS surveys near Yokota Air Base, outlined in yellow.

PFAS levels rose in treated water from US base in Tokyo but stayed under limit

PFAS in treated water discharged from two sites outside Yokota Air Base in Tokyo spiked recently but remained within safe limits, according to Japanese government surveys.

A missle is test-fired near a shorline against a dark sky.

Work to begin soon on $158M command center for Guam’s missile defense system

Military personnel in camouflage uniforms collaborate around a table with laptops and equipment in an office setting.

With a simulated earthquake, US and Japan gauge evolving command coordination

U.S., Japanese and South Korean jets flying in formation.

North Korea threatens ‘grave consequences’ following trilateral bomber flight

A military officer in a green flight suit sits inside an aircraft carrier gazing out through large windows. Through the windows, another military helicopter can be seen flying in the distance over water.

Hegseth pulls Donnelly nomination to 7th Fleet after questions about carrier drag shows

The Pentagon has pulled the nomination of Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly to lead the 7th Fleet following questions from a conservative news outlet about drag shows aboard an aircraft carrier nearly 10 years ago.

An older man gestures with one hand as he speaks.

Would-be Japanese kamikaze pilot reflects on war and peace 80 years after WWII

A former Japanese army pilot who helped train the infamous kamikaze — flyers who deliberately crashed into their targets — is still telling his story 80 years after the end of World War II, in part to honor friends who died during the conflict.

A Coast Guard ship, seen from a distance, sails in open water with a forested outcropping of land to its left and the horizon in the background.

Quad nations complete their first joint coast guard sail with stop on Guam

Coast guard officers from Australia, India and Japan will arrive on Guam aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton to mark the conclusion of the inaugural Quad Sail.

Japan unlikely to intervene directly if China attacks Taiwan, expert says

China and Japan have long disputed the Senkaku Islands — uninhabited islets east of Taiwan and west of Okinawa that total 2.4 square miles. Japan administers the islands and is expected to prioritize their defense if China moves against Taiwan.

A naval officer in white dress uniform and hat is seen from the side.

Trump picks former USS Ronald Reagan skipper to return to Japan and lead 7th Fleet

A familiar face may soon return to Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan to lead the U.S. 7th Fleet after Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and appointment as commander of the Navy’s largest overseas force.

Navy’s newest amphibious assault ship takes over key Indo-Pacific role

The Navy’s newest and most advanced amphibious assault ship arrived in Japan this week to take over as flagship of Amphibious Squadron 11, replacing the USS America as part of a homeport shift aimed at strengthening U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific.

A sailor kisses his partner during a first-kiss ceremony.

7th Fleet flagship returns to Japan after wide-ranging, history-making deployment

The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge concluded a summer deployment that covered 16,000 miles in three months around the Indo-Pacific.

The British patrol ship HMS Spey, seen here near the Malay Peninsula in April 2025, passed through the Taiwan Strait on June 18, 2025.

British warship sails Taiwan Strait a week after Japanese destroyer’s passage

The offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey carried out the passage as part of a freedom-of-navigation operation that was welcomed by Taiwan, shortly after a Japanese destroyer made a similar trip. The transits come amid rising regional tensions.

The turnout for this year's Talisman Sabre should surpass that of the 2023 exercise, which involved roughly 30,000 troops from 13 nations and three observer countries.

Record troop turnout expected for Talisman Sabre drills in and around Australia

The biennial Talisman Sabre will bring together a record number of troops from 19 countries for joint training across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

USS George Washington’s quiet departure coincides with Chinese naval activity in Pacific

A steady drizzle accompanied the USS George Washington as the aircraft carrier steamed out of Tokyo Bay and began its first patrol since returning to Japan last year.

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