DM Koizumi was debriefed from CAPT Iwashige who had been dispatched to Bahrain as Japanese SNR (Senior National Representative) to CMF/LNO (Liaison Officer) to USNAVCENT on Feb 24.
CAPT Iwashige made significant contributions to counter-piracy operations, including swift coordination with Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151), the EU Naval Force, and others during a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia last November, and was highly commended for his dedication. He also appropriately gathered and shared information on the Middle East situation. DM Koizumi praised his outstanding achievements and expressed high expectations for his future endeavors.
MOD/JSDF will continue to contribute to peace and stability of the international community through the dispatch of SDF personnel and other related efforts.