The 1st Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), JS SAMIDARE made a port call at Colombo, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and conducted a goodwill exercise.

From 20-29 July, the 1st Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), JS SAMIDARE made a port call at Colombo, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The unit conducted hull maintenance for its destroyer JS SAMIDARE in Colombo Dockyard and held various exchange programs such as sports exchange and ship tours. After the port visit, the unit conducted a goodwill exercise with SLNS GAJABAHU to deepen friendship and mutual understanding.
The Commanding Officer of JS SAMIDARE, Commander OKUMURA Kenji said, “The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an important partner to realize a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ as it is located at a strategic point on the sea lanes of the Indian Ocean, and has a common challenge with us in terms of stable use of the ocean. Through the exercise with such an important partner, we could contribute to realizing stable use of the ocean.”
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains maximum readiness and contributes to peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan, but also to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.