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