Admiral SAITO Akira,
The 36th Chief of Staff, JMSDF

Admiral SAITO Akira,
The 36th Chief of Staff, JMSDF

　Let me first wish you all a Happy New Year. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude for all the support and kindness extended to the JMSDF in 2024.

　The helicopter crash and fire accident of a minesweeper, JS Ukushima, that occurred last year caused great concern to the public. I would also like to express my sincere apologies for the improper management of classified information, the allowance fraud, and other misconduct that have greatly undermined the expectations and trust of the public.

　We have set up “Making the JMSDF stronger and more sincere” committee (“More S2” committee in short) to prevent each individual case and improve the organization structure. Through this initiative, we will make efforts to ensure that our personnel, who serve with integrity day to day, can become more committed to their duties.

　The security environment surrounding our country is as severe and complex as it has ever been since the end of World War II. The intensification of activities and increased cooperation among China, Russia and North Korea are of great concern. In addition, as seen in the situation in Ukraine and Israel, armed conflicts continue to persist.

　Against this backdrop, the JMSDF has contributed to the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” by deploying units in the vast sea area last year, while continuing monitoring and surveillance activities around Japan and maintaining vigilance against ballistic missiles. The JMSDF will ceaselessly continue its activities and respond swiftly to rapid changes in the situation.

　In particular, internationally, we will further deepen our relations with our ally and like-minded countries. Furthermore, recognizing that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable, we welcome the deployment of navies to the Indo-Pacific region and will promote the establishment of a support system. Domestically, we will properly execute our important budget and steadily promote various initiatives such as procurement of necessary equipment and ammunition, improvement of operational availability as well as maintenance of facilities. In addition, since the core of the defense capability is “people,” we will promote measures such as recruitment, employment, employment support, and improvement of conditions for personnel.

　Under a drastically changing environment, the JMSDF will get back to the basics that we serve for the country and the people, committing to the maritime defense and fulfilling our missions sincerely. We humbly ask for your continuing support in the new year.

January 1, 2025
Admiral SAITO Akira,
36th Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force