None SPECIAL FEATURE | JDF - Japan Defense Focus (No.123) | Japan Ministry of Defense

Japan Defense Focus No.123 May 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE

Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19

Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19
Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19
Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19

January 31st, 2020 - In response to the urgent need to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Defense Minister Kono issued an order to implement disaster relief dispatch.

Following the order, the Ministry of Defense (MOD)/Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed the civilian vessel Hakuo to Tokyo Bay. The vessel acted as an operational base and accommodation for the JSDF personnel conducting livelihood support and other assistance activities. Furthermore, two nurses from the JSDF Central Hospital were dispatched to carry out in-flight quarantines on the charter flights from Hubei, China.

Among the deployed personnel, a total of about 2,200 personnel provided support for the civilians who stayed at on-shore accommodation facilities after they returned from Hubei by government-chartered flights, while on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, a total of about 2,700 personnel carried out support activities to deal with the mass infection. They conducted various assistance activities including daily living support (providing daily necessities, etc.), transport via JSDF vehicles, and medical assistance (health checks, etc.). In terms of transport support, the JSDF transported passengers who would return to their countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Italy, EU countries, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, India and Indonesia by charter flights, and their baggage to Haneda Airport via JSDF vehicles. Also, approx. 10 JSDF Reserve Personnel with medical and nursing qualifications were called up for the deployment.

After the completion of the activities onboard the cruise ship and at the accommodation facilities, the MOD/JSDF did PCR testing of all JSDF personnel who may have come into contact with infected individuals.

Minister Kono ordered to terminate the disaster relief dispatch and the activities of the Reserve Personnel on March 16th after confirming that all PCR test results were negative and having the deployed personnel undergo a 14-day observation period.

The MOD/JSDF will continue to accept COVID-19 patients into JSDF hospitals, as well as provide support to local authorities if they face difficulties responding to the situation.

Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19
Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19
Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19Disaster Relief Dispatch in Response to COVID-19

JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~

JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~

The Peace and stability in the Middle East is critically important for peace and prosperity of the international community, including Japan. The Middle East is the primary supplier of energy for the world. As Japan depends about 90% of its imported crude oil on this region, it is also extremely important for Japan to ensure the safety of navigation of Japan-related vessels in the Middle East.

As the tensions in the Middle East has increased, the Cabinet Decision was made on December 27th, 2019 to promote unified government efforts to secure peace and stability in this region, and to ensure the safety of Japan-related vessels. Under the Decision, alongside encouraging further diplomatic efforts and thoroughly implementing navigation safety measures, as part of the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of navigation, the Government of Japan determined to conduct information gathering activities by the JSDF in order to strengthen information gathering posture necessary for ensuring the safety of Japan-related vessels.

Following the Cabinet Decision, the MOD/JSDF decided to conduct information gathering activities by utilizing Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) aircraft and ships.

The MOD/JSDF assigned information gathering activities to the two P-3C patrol aircrafts based in Djibouti, which have engaged in counter-piracy operations since 2009. The two aircrafts departed from Japan on January 11th, 2020 with 60 crew members and commenced the activities on January 20th.

Furthermore, the MOD/JSDF dispatched the JS Takanami with approx. 200 personnel to the Middle East as a new unit called “Deployment Surface Force for Information Gathering”.

The JS Takanami commenced operations in the international waters in the Gulf of Oman and the North Arabian Sea on February 26th, 2020.

The JS Takanami confirmed approx. 3,200 vessels from February 26th to March 31st, working to ensure the safety of navigation.

The MOD/JSDF will continue to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as the safety of Japan-related vessels.

JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~
JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~JSDF Deployment in the Middle East ~for enhancing information gathering activities~

PAGE TOP