DESRON FIFTEEN is the U.S. Navy's largest Destroyer Squadron and is responsible for the readiness, tactical, and administrative responsibilities for the ten Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, as well as the tactical employment of all independent U.S. and Allies Cruiser-Destroyer (CRUDES) and United States Coast Guard Title 10 deployments to the Western Pacific.

DESRON FIFTEEN ships are the principal surface combatants of Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

In addition to duties as ISIC for the ships assigned to the squadron, the DESRON FIFTEEN staff also deploys with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

The SCC responsibilities include Surface Warfare Commander (SUWC), Anti Submarine Warfare Commander (ASWC), Maritime Intercept Operations Coordinator (MIO), Mine Warfare Coordinator (MIW), and Submarine Operational Controlling Authority (SOCA) (responsible for coordinating employment of attack submarines assigned to the CSG).

[2] The squadron was assigned to Task Force 70 (Battle Force, Seventh Fleet), which had operational control of all carrier strike groups and independently deployed cruisers, destroyers, and frigates that deployed or transited through the 7th Fleet area of operations from 1971 to 2021.