Commander in Chief of the Self-Defense Fleet, VADM SAITO Akira conducted a change of Fleet Master Chief ceremony

On December 18, Commander in Chief of the Self-Defense Fleet, Vice Admiral SAITO Akira conducted a change of Fleet Master Chief ceremony at the Maritime Operations Center, handing over the appointment from the 8th Fleet Master Chief, Self-Defense Fleet, MCPO KITAGUCHI Takeshi, to the 9th Fleet Master Chief, SDF, MCPO SHIMIZU Ken.
The ceremony was attended by Master Chief Petty Officer of the JMSDF, the Senior Enlisted Leader of Ground Component Command, JGSDF, the Senior Enlisted Leader of Air Defense Command, JASDF, FMC of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet, and Master Chief Petty Officers of various units under the Self-Defense Fleet.
The 8th FMC MCPO KITAGUCHI had the important responsibility of the Fleet Master Chief, which is the core of operations in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces, and together with the Master Chief Petty Officers of approximately 190 units of the JMSDF, has provided appropriate guidance to sailors of each unit with full of love and a sense of responsibilities, assisted the Commander in Chief of the Self Defense Fleet, and contributed greatly to the achievement of the missions of the Self-Defense Fleet.
MCPO SHIMIZU, who was designated as the 9th FMC, expressed his belief that "I am aware of my responsibilities, firmly support Commander in Chief of the Self Defense Fleet, pursue the essence of operational force, and work closely with command master chiefs of each unit to foster strong and tough enlisted personnel. I also further strengthen the bond with the FMC of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet and the Senior Enlisted Leaders of other Self Defense Forces, to make the JSDF even stronger."
The Self Defense Fleet maintains responsiveness, safeguards the peace and security of Japan, cooperates with allied and friendly navies, and contributes to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region in order to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”