JS AKEBONO conducted a Japan-U.S.-Australia-Philippine multilateral exercise.

JS AKEBONO conducted a Japan-U.S.-Australia-Philippine multilateral exercise (Maritime Cooperative Activity) in South China Sea with the U.S. Navy USS MOBILE, P-8A, Royal Australian Navy HMAS WARRAMUNGA, Royal Australian Air Force P-8A, Philippine Navy BRP ANTONIO LUNA, BRP VALENTIN DIAZ, BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR and anti-submarine helicopter.
The Commanding Officer of JS AKEBONO, Commander TOGAWA Hisato said, “Through the exercise, we improved our tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with participating Navies and Air Force. We also demonstrated our strong will to achieve a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” JS AKEBONO will continue working closely with them to respond to any contingency at any time.”
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.