(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I attended the naming and launching ceremony for JS TATSUTA, the 11th vessel of the new Mogami-class frigates (FFM), at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works. I also visited their plant. The Mogami-class frigates are Japan’s state-of-the-art vessels and have even been shortlisted as a final candidate for the Royal Australian Navy’s next-generation frigates. Vessels are constructed reliably based on customer needs. I was impressed once again by the high-level shipbuilding capabilities of Japan’s shipyards. Defense production and technology bases, which underpin such shipbuilding capabilities, are a virtually integral part of Japan’s defense capability itself. Surrounded by the sea on all four sides and having critical sea lanes, it is important that Japan maintain and strengthen its maritime defense capabilities. Shipyards, which produce and maintain outstanding vessels, make up the core of such capabilities. Furthermore, when Japanese shipyards carry out repairs of U.S. vessels, it contributes to improving the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Next, during my visit to the plant, I saw firsthand that the measures to enhance technology bases under the Act on Enhancing Defense Production and Technology Bases were being applied. In particular, I confirmed that efforts are underway to improve manufacturing efficiency, including the introduction of more automated and labor-saving welding and other processes. By applying the Act on Enhancing Defense Production and Technology Bases and other means, the Ministry of Defense will continue to support shipyards and related facilities, which form the essential foundation of Japan’s defense. In addition, from yesterday to today, I visited the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) Omura Air Base and the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ainoura. At the MSDF Omura Air Base, I observed the maintenance conditions of the SH-60 helicopters of aviation units. In the intense heat and under the scorching sun, the personnel were working diligently to maintain the aircraft. I sensed that the personnel performed their work with pride and purpose, believing that they are supporting front-line defense operations and are contributing to protecting Japan. I was very moved.
While I often speak of the “safe operation of aircraft,” this visit reaffirmed that what makes safe operation possible is the professionalism with which maintenance personnel carry out their work. I was moved to see the personnel performing maintenance work diligently even under the scorching sun, without a roof, to see them gripping a bolt or tool with care and working hard with sweat running down their face.
At Camp Ainoura, I also observed the equipment and training of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, as well as the living environment of the personnel. The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a key unit for the defense of Japan’s remote islands and is a one-of-a-kind elite unit. Today, I was able to directly observe their high level of proficiency and met with the new personnel. I saw each personnel carrying out their duties assiduously with a high sense of urgency, determined to fulfill their common mission of protecting the nation. This was very encouraging. Furthermore, the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade at Camp Ainoura will be operating in an integrated manner with Camp Saga that opened this month, which will further strengthen Japan’s capabilities for the defense of remote islands, including in the southwestern region. Under my leadership, we will continue to make all efforts to strengthen the defense architecture in the southwestern region.