The Minister of Defense visited the Maritime Operations Center.

On October 13, Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, Vice Admiral SAITO Akira received an inspection by Minister of Defense, KIHARA Minoru at the Maritime Operations Center.
It was his first visit to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force since he assumed his post.
“The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is responsible for protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people as well as strengthening a free and open maritime order to ensure freedom and safety of navigation, which are significantly important. I sincerely hope each of you will continue to put all your effort to the mission under the command of Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet in order to further meet the high expectations and trust of the people,” said Minister of Defense.
The Maritime Operations Center is operated by the Self Defense Fleet Command to establish a rapid response system for any contingencies ranging from peacetime to national security emergencies in close cooperation with other services of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, U.S. forces, and related ministries and agencies.
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 like-minded navies.

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