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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".

APR, 1952
The Coastal Safety Force inaugurated (forerunner of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
JUL, 1954
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force inaugurated
OCT, 1954
Mine Warfare Flotilla 1 established
Fleet Escort Force, Fleet Air Force and Mine Warfare Flotilla 2 established
FEB, 1955
First annual exercise
SEP, 1961
Fleet Escort Force, Fleet Air Force and Mine Warfare Flotilla 2 established
FEB, 1965
Submarine Flotilla 1 established
OCT, 1973
Submarine Flotilla 2 established
Fleet Training and Development Command established
FEB, 1980
The SF takes part in RIMPAC for the first time
MAR, 1980
Oceanographic Command established
FEB, 1981
Fleet Submarine Force established
JUN, 1984
First Japan-US combined command post exercise staged
OCT, 1986
First Japan-US integrated command post exercise
APR, 1991
Operation Gulf Dawn, Minesweepers dispatched to the Persian Gulf.
SEP, 1992
Maritime transportation unit dispatched to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia
JAN, 1995
Disaster relief teams dispatched after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
JAN, 1997
Fleet Intelligence Command established
MAR, 1999
First Maritime security operation ordered in response to the suspicious boat discovered off the Noto Peninsula
MAR, 2000
Mine Warfare Force established
NOV, 2001
The Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law are enforced
SDF unit dispatched to the Indian Ocean for cooperation and support activities
OCT, 2004
Disaster relief teams dispatched after the Niigata Chuetsu earthquake
NOV, 2004
Maritime security operation ordered in response to the PLA-N submarine through Japanese territorial waters witho
ut surfacing
DEC, 2004
SDF unit dispatched after the Great earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and the resulting tsunami
MAR, 2006
Joint Staff Office established
JAN, 2007
The transition of the Defense Agency to the Ministry of Defense
NOV, 2007
The Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expires, and cooperation and support activities suspended
DEC, 2007
Aegis Destroyer “Kongo” conducts a successful test on counter-missile by ballistic missile
JAN, 2008
The Replenishment Support Measures Law enforced, and cooperation and support activities in the Indian Ocean resumed

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