DefenseAustralia, Japan and US sign 'historic' agreement on naval logistics
First trilateral agreement increases interoperability as China builds regional clout
From left to right, Rear Adm. Naoya Hoshi of Japan, Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon of the U.S. and Commodore Catherine Rhodes of Australia pose after signing an agreement on naval logistics in Brisbane, Australia on July 11. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi)
BRISBANE, Australia -- The defense forces of Australia, Japan and the U.S. signed an agreement on Friday to boost logistical interoperability between their forces, allowing their navies to refuel, reload equipment, and repair ships more smoothly and to share data on maintenance.