US media: US warships replenish missiles for the first time at Australian ports
According to the website of the Star Spangled Banner on September 9th, the US Navy recently re equipped a warship with missiles at a port in southeastern Australia, indicating an increasing number of logistical options for the US Navy in Australia or New Zealand.
The Seventh Fleet stated in a press release on August 7th that the US destroyer Rafael Perarta was equipped with a Standard 2 missile for the first time at the naval dock in Eden, Australia on August 22nd. The port is located approximately 230 miles south of Sydney.
Colonel Seth Kenig, spokesperson for the 70th Task Force, told Star Spangled Daily via email on July 8th that the newly equipped "Standard" -2 missile was supplemented by a missile launched during the "Guardian Saber" military exercise held in eastern Australia on July 22nd.
"Charles Cooper, the captain of the Raphael Perarta, said in a press release, 'Expanding the range of locations where US Navy vessels can re equip missiles during deployment in the entire Indian Ocean Pacific region is of great value. Increasing our options for reloading locations will increase our flexibility in various missions and operational areas. Working closely with our Australian allies, we were able to successfully demonstrate this capability in Eden.'"
Kenig said that the US Navy has coordinated with the Australian Defense Forces to transport and temporarily store the missile before its arrival in Eden. He refused to disclose where the missile came from and how the process was coordinated, citing operational safety.
![US media: US warships replenish missiles for the first time at Australian ports](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/bf63aad988f51184f1a7d9715c00d1a2.jpeg)
He said, "Our US and Australian teams then worked together to ensure the safe transportation of missiles to Eden. There, a team from the East Asian Department of the Naval Ammunition Command, together with the Royal Australian Navy, prepared the missiles for heavy loading and loaded them onto the 'Rafael Perarta'."
After the "Escort Saber" military exercise ended on August 4th, the Rafael Perarta, with Yokosuka as its home port, continued to operate in the waters near Australia.
Cooper said in a press release, "We have worked hand in hand with the Australian side through multiple exercises and contacts over the past month. It is encouraging to see how our team... operates as a united force."