US Navy destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) reached its new forward deployed location in Yokosuka, Japan, on February 4.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer is joining up to 70 other ships and submarines operating in the US 7th Fleet.
The forward presence of Rafael Peralta, which entered service in 2017, enhances the national security of the United States and allies and partners, and improves its ability to protect strategic interests, the navy said.
The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the US Navy station the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times possible for maritime and joint forces, and brings most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner.
“We’re thrilled to forward deploy another ship to Destroyer Squadron Fifteen and the 7th Fleet theater,” said Capt. Steven H. DeMoss, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Fifteen.
Rafael Peralta, a Flight IIA destroyer that can deploy with 2 MH-60 variant helicopters and also has improved ballistic missile defense, anti-air and surface warfare capabilities compared to its predecessor, enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests.
“Rafael Peralta is one of the newest, most capable ships in the navy. With our security treaties and mutual defense treaties across the Indo-Pacific, it is imperative that we meet those requirements with the most capable platforms,” added Capt. DeMoss. “Ships like Rafael Peralta demonstrate our commitment to regional security and enable our partners and allies to uphold the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific.”
