History

　Self-Defense Fleet was established with 2 flotillas and 1 warning flotilla in July 1954. Although, Self-Defense Fleet were relatively small size, throughout gradual maintenance of Defense Power, they increased force strength and enlarged numbers of surface ships and aircrafts. Currently, world circumference has become very complex and changing. Therefore, the role that Japan is required to play is increasing more than ever. Thus, the environment around Self-Defense Fleet is shifting from "Maintenance period" to "Operation period".

Mar, 2026	Fleet Surface Force established Fleet Escort Force, Mine Warfare Force, Oceanography ASW Support Command, Fleet Intelligence Command disbanded
Mar, 2025	JSDF Joint Operations Command established
Oct, 2020	Started operation of Maritime Operations Center, Fleet Intelligence Command reorganized
Feb, 2020	SDF begins dispatching vessels for the "information Gathering Activities by the SDF Necessary for Ensuring the Safety of Japan -Related Vessels in the Middle East"
Oct, 2019	SDF dispatched for the Typhoon No. 19
Jul, 2018	SDF dispatched for the heavy rain disaster in western Japan
Jul, 2017	SDF dispatched for the heavy rain disaster in northern Kyushu
Apr, 2016	SDF dispatched for the Kumamoto Earthquake
Dec, 2015	Reorganized into Oceanography ASW Support Command
Jun, 2012	60th Anniversary of the Maritime Self-Defense Force
Mar, 2011	SDF dispatched for the Great East Japan Earthquake
Jan, 2010	50th Anniversary of U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security
Feb, 2010	The Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expires, and cooperation and support activities suspended
Jul, 2009	Enforcement of Anti-Piracy Law
May, 2009	Started dispatching P-3C patrol aircraft to the Gulf of Aden, Somalia
Mar, 2009	Started dispatching escort vessels to the Gulf of Aden, Somalia
Jan, 2008	The Replenishment Support Measures Law enforced, and cooperation and support activities in the Indian Ocean resumed
Dec, 2007	Aegis Destroyer “KONGO” conducts a successful test on counter-missile by ballistic missile
Nov, 2007	The Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expires, and cooperation and support activities suspended
Jan, 2007	The transition of the Defense Agency to the Ministry of Defense
Mar, 2006	Joint Staff Office established
Dec, 2004	SDF unit dispatched after the Great earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and the resulting tsunami
Nov, 2004	Maritime security operation ordered in response to the PLA-N submarine through Japanese territorial waters without surfacing
Oct, 2004	Disaster relief teams dispatched after the Niigata Chuetsu earthquake
Nov, 2001	The Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law are enforced SDF unit dispatched to the Indian Ocean for cooperation and support activities
Mar, 2000	Mine Warfare Force established
Mar, 1999	First Maritime security operation ordered in response to the suspicious boat discovered off the Noto Peninsula
Jan, 1997	Fleet Intelligence Command established
Jan, 1995	Disaster relief teams dispatched after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
Sep, 1992	Maritime transportation unit dispatched to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia
Apr, 1991	Operation Gulf Dawn, Minesweepers dispatched to the Persian Gulf
Oct, 1986	First Japan-US integrated command post exercise
Jun, 1984	First Japan-US combined command post exercise staged
Feb, 1981	Fleet Submarine Force established
Mar, 1980	Oceanographic Command established
Feb, 1980	The SF takes part in RIMPAC for the first time
Oct, 1973	Submarine Flotilla 2 established Fleet Training and Development Command established
Feb, 1965	Submarine Flotilla 1 established
Sep, 1961	Fleet Escort Force, Fleet Air Force and Mine Warfare Flotilla 2 established
Feb, 1955	First annual exercise
Oct, 1954	Mine Warfare Flotilla 1 established
Jul, 1954	The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force inaugurated
Apr, 1952	The Coastal Safety Force inaugurated (forerunner of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)