Returning Ceremony for the JMSDF Training Squadron

On October 24th, a ceremony to commemorate the return of the JMSDF Training Squadron from the FY2019 Overseas Training Cruise was held, with State Minister of Defense Yamamoto in attendance.

The Overseas Training Cruise is implemented for junior officers who have graduated from the general officer candidate course at the JMSDF Officer Candidate School.
The training is aimed at allowing the junior officers to exercise the knowledge and skills they have acquired at school in the real field, helping them become accustomed to the marine environment, and developing the qualities that are required for JSDF officers.

In addition, visiting other countries as part of the training contributes not only to the cultivation of an international sensibility among the officers, but also to the promotion of friendly relations with other countries.

The JMSDF Overseas Training Cruise has been carried out every year since 1957, with FY2019 marking the 63rd time.

• ▷Period: 157 days from May 21st to October 24th
• ▷Dispatched vessels: Training Vessel JS Kashima and Destroyer JS Inazuma
• ▷Personnel: approx. (580 including approx. 190 officer trainees)
• ▷Visited countries: United States, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, French Polynesia, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Palau (in order of visit)

Japan-U.K. Bilateral Exercise “Vigilant Isles”

From September 29th to October 24th, the JGSDF participated in the Vigilant Isles 19 field training exercise in the U.K. alongside the British Army at Garelochhead Training Camp, Strone Camp, and in the Loch Ewe area. Approx. 20 members of the JGSDF including members of the JGSDF Fuji School participated in the reconnaissance exercise. It was the first time the JGSDF dispatched a training unit to the U.K. This exercise provided an opportunity for the MOD and JSDF to strengthen defense cooperation between Japan and the U.K.

Capacity Building for Papua New Guinea Defence Force Band

On September 25th, the MOD/JSDF sent 3 instructors from the JGSDF in order to support and provide music and performance training to Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Band, which was invited to participate in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held in Sydney from October 17th to 19th.

In the Tattoo, the PNGDF Band played the song “March Port Moresby” in an ensemble performance with the PNGDF’s Pipes & Drum Band which was supported by the U.K., and the military bands from Fiji and Tonga, and received a big applause from the audience. This symbolized successful defense cooperation between Japan and PNG.

JSDF Disaster Relief Activities associated with 2019’s Typhoon No. 19 (Typhoon Hagibis)

Responding to disaster relief requests related to Typhoon No. 19, also known as Typhoon Hagibis, the MOD/JSDF has dispatched response units to the affected areas. While fully engaging in life-saving activities and other related operations, JSDF personnel are also providing various daily life support to meet the needs of the disaster victims, such as bathing assistance, water supply assistance and meal providing assistance.

Memorial Service for the JSDF Personnel Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty

On October 13th, Minister Kono offered a prayer and flowers at the Memorial Service for the JSDF Personnel Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty.

The MOD/JSDF will make its utmost efforts to protect the lives and properties of the people as well as the territorial land, water and airspace of Japan.