Command in Chief of Self Defense Fleet established the Vice Chief of Staff (Maritime Operation Center Director).

On April 1, RADM NATSUI began his tour as Vice Chief of Staff (Maritime Operation Center Director), Self Defense Fleet. The position of Vice Chief of Staff (Maritime Operation Center Director), Self Defense Fleet has been newly established to strengthen the staff function of the Self Defense Fleet which shoulders the core of maritime defense, and to operate the maritime forces promptly, smoothly and effectively under the increasingly complex and severe security environment surrounding Japan.
The Self Defense Fleet will continue to enhance the SDF’s joint operational structure and system with the Joint Operations Command, which will be formally established at the end of this fiscal year, 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.