A Facebook post alluded to an encounter between the USS Rafael Peralta and Chinese and Russian naval vessels near Guam though no details were included. The post, which was uploaded on Aug. 6, showed video of the USS Rafael returning to its home port in Yokosuka, Japan. It has since been edited.
It originally stated: “USS Rafael Peralta returned to home port in Yokosuka, Japan, after a Summer Patrol and Family Day Cruise. During the Summer, we successfully completed a Freedom of Navigation Operation in the South China Sea, conducted joint exercises with our Japanese allies, and protected Guam during Chinese and Russian deployments in the area.”
Newsweek reported comments from Navy officials as saying interactions with foreign militaries while at sea regularly occur and that this specific interaction was "safe and professional."
The encounter reportedly occurred during joint patrols by the Chinese and Russian navies. According to a Xinhua News report in July, the Chinese and Russian navies conducted a joint maritime patrol in western and northern areas of the Pacific Ocean, and entered a specific area of the South China Sea.
The joint China-Russia patrol, the fourth of its kind since 2021, was “planned in accordance with an annual schedule and mutual agreement between both countries, does not target any third party and is unrelated to current international or regional situations.”
The patrol fleet consists of Chinese missile destroyer Yinchuan and missile frigate Hengshui and a Russian frigate, Xinhua reported. The Chinese comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu also joined the fleet to provide the necessary replenishment.
The fleet engaged in exercises such as inspection operations and helicopter landings during the patrol, which has enhanced the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two militaries, the Xinhua reported.
The USS Rafael was in the Marianas region this summer as part of a regularly scheduled exercise. Members of the ships crew were also able to participate in the Liberation Day celebrations held in Saipan in July.
USS Rafael Peralta is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. The destroyer can operate with a Carrier Strike Group, Expeditionary Strike Group, as an element of a Surface Action Group, or independently. mbj