US destoryer deployed for DPRK rocket launch

Daily Yomiuri
March 26, 2009


The Aegis-equipped destroyer USS Stethem anchored at Aomori Port on Wednesday morningThe U.S. Navy has begun deploying Aegis-guided missile destroyers in waters surrounding Japan in preparation for North Korea's expected launch of a rocket it claims is intended to put a satellite into orbit, it has been learned.
According to sources, the U.S. Navy has deployed at least five destroyers, all of them believed to be equipped with the Standard Missile-3, which can intercept ballistic missiles.
North Korea has said it intends to launch a rocket carrying a communications satellite between April 4 and 8. Japan, South Korea and the United States, however, believe the launch is a cover for a long-range missile test. The destroyers are expected to be deployed in waters surrounding Japan ahead of the expected launch date.
Three destroyers of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet have entered Sasebo Port in Nagasaki since Monday. Two left the port Wednesday morning, and another destroyer moored at Aomori Port left Thursday afternoon. The three vessels are expected to operate somewhere in the Sea of Japan or the Pacific Ocean near Japan.
Two Aegis-equipped destroyers of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Kongo and Chokai, are berthed at the MSDF's Sasebo Naval Base.
(Mar. 27, 2009)

Three destroyers of the U.S Navy's 7th Fleet have entered Sasebo Port in Nagasaki since Monday. Two left the port Wednesday morning, and another destoyer moored at Aomori Port left Thursday afternoon.