The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), 2nd Surface Unit, JS SHIMOKITA departed from Sasebo Base.

On 3 July, the 2nd Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), JS SHIMOKITA departed from Sasebo Base.
On the departure, Commander of Mine Warfare Force, and the 2nd Surface Unit of IPD23 Rear Admiral KANEZASHI Motoyuki said, “In order to realize a ‘Free and Open Indo Pacific,’ by participating in the U.S. - Australia Multilateral Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre 2023’ in Australia, and having port visits to Western Pacific Countries, 2nd surface unit will enhance cooperation with our ally and like-minded countries, contribute to peace and stability in the region, and maintain maritime order through this two-month deployment.”
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to 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 like-minded navies.