(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
The “Cabinet Order for Partial Revision of the Order for Organization of the Ministry of Defense” and the “Cabinet Order to Determine the Implementation Date of the Act Partially Amending the act for Establishment of the Ministry of Defense” were approved by the Cabinet at today’s Cabinet meeting. We have decided to implement the reorganization of units of FY2024 on March 24, including the establishment of the Joint Operations Command, the Self-Defense Forces Maritime Transport Group, and the new Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) Ominato District Unit. At the Cabinet meeting, the personnel appointment of Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) General NAGUMO Ken-ichiro as the first Commander of the Joint Operations Command was also approved. ASDF General Nagumo has supported the joint operations of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff, and we expect him to demonstrate leadership as the first Commander of the Joint Operations Command by utilizing his experience and expertise developed thus far. This reorganization of units will contribute to improving the effectiveness of joint operations, enhancing mobile deployment capabilities to remote islands, strengthening the security implementation system of the MSDF, and other developments. We believe these are all greatly significant for Japan’s defense, and we will continue to promote the fundamental reinforcement of Japan’s defense capabilities to protect the lives and livelihood of Japanese nationals in any situation.