JS URAGA and JS AWAJI arrived Mina Salman, Kingdom of Bahrain, to participate in U.S. hosted International Maritime Exercise/ CUTLASS EXPRESS 2023 (IMX/CE23).

On February 25, 2023, JS URAGA and JS AWAJI visited Mina Salman, Kingdom of Bahrain, and paid a courtesy call on the commander of Royal Bahrain Naval Force. In addition, they participate in the U.S. hosted International Maritime Exercise/ CUTLASS EXPRESS 2023 (IMX/CE23) conducted from February 26 to March 19 in the vicinity of Kingdom of Bahrain.
Through this exercise, they improve their tactical capabilities, strengthen cooperation and deepen mutual understanding with participating countries.
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" in cooperation with allied and friendly navies.