The guided-missile destroyer USS Milius entered the 7th Fleet area of operations this week to bring enhanced ballistic missile defense capability to U.S. forces in Asia.
During the past year, while home ported in San Diego, Milius was fitted with the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system, upgrading its air defense and ballistic missile defense capabilities.
With the latest Aegis system, the Milius can launch Standard Missile 3 interceptors to shoot down missiles both above the atmosphere and within it.
“The ship’s advanced capabilities will be vital in support of our missions in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Capt. Jonathan Duffy, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15.
The ship is being transferred to Yokosuka, Japan, where it will be forward deployed.
