Japan Defense Focus No.135

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7On March 4, the commission ceremony for the new auxlili-ary ocean surveillance ship (AOS) Aki was held at the Tamano Shipyard, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Aki, whose duty is to detect acoustic signature in the sea, was named after Aki-nada in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. On March 16, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Onishi attended the commission ceremony for the new minesweeper Etajima. MSO Etajima is the third ship of “Awaji” type. Compared to conventional wooden minesweepers, Etajima has improved durability with fiber reinforced plastics and enhanced capability of mine counter measures with new mine–hunting sonar systems. She is expected to play an active part of mari-time security of Japan. Visit the JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles. www.mod.go.jp/en/jdf/ As the security environment around Japan, especially the naval activities of surrounding countries, is getting harder, the commission of Aki will add to the operation rate of AOS and should contribute to strengthening the JMSDF's capacity of acoustic signature detection.The Commission Ceremony for the New Auxiliary Ocean Surveillance Ship (Aos)The Commission Ceremony for the New Minesweeper