The Maritime Self-Defense Force supply vessel Hamana has started supplying fuel to U.S. ships in the Indian Ocean that are taking part in the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan, the Defense Agency said Monday.
The move is authorized by a law enacted Oct. 29 to allow Japan's military forces to provide logistic support for the U.S. attacks.
The 8,100-ton Hamana left Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Nov. 9 for a two-month mission in the Indian Ocean. Two destroyers -- the 5,200-ton Kurama and the 4,550-ton Kirishima -- are also taking part.