US Destroyer Loads Missiles Using Crane A US Navy destroyer is seen reloading its Marker 41 VLS missiles using a floating crane in Tokyo Bay, off Yokosuka. A critical capability for long-range naval warfare, first demonstrated in 2024 but not yet a fleet-wide capability. Loading missile silos without reference to the dock was one of the needs that arose after the battle with the Houthis in the Red Sea where the American ships began firing missiles from their silos at commercial vessels to deal with the UAVs and missiles launched by the Houthis, but in order to replace them, they had to leave the battlefield and go to port.

US Destroyer Loads Missiles Using Crane A US Navy destroyer is seen reloading its Marker 41 VLS missiles using a floating crane in Tokyo Bay, off Yokosuka. A critical capability for long-range naval warfare, first demonstrated in 2024 but not yet a fleet-wide capability. Loading missile silos without reference to the dock was one of the needs that arose after the battle with the Houthis in the Red Sea where the American ships began firing missiles from their silos at commercial vessels to deal with the UAVs and missiles launched by the Houthis, but in order to replace them, they had to leave the battlefield and go to port.