JS ARIAKE completed the mission as the 37^th Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement

On April 13, JS ARIAKE, commanded by CDR EZAWA Naritaka, successfully completed their mission as the 37^th Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement and returned to SASEBO port.
JS ARIAKE departed SASEBO in Sep, 2020, escorted cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters from Oct, 2020 to Mar, 2021. They also enhanced the mutual trust and cooperative relationships with other Navies through various multi-lateral training events.
At their homecoming ceremony, VADM YUASA Hideki, Commander in Chief, Self-Defense Fleet stated, “In addition to escorting vessels and keeping strict surveillance, ARIAKE also participated in multi-lateral training events and deepened friendship with the navies of partner countries, demonstrating the strength of the JMSDF both at home and abroad.”
Captain of JS ARIAKE stated, “In recent years, no troubles with piracy has occured, but this is a result of the continuing activities of naval forces from each country such as escort in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, and we would like to maintain this situation.”
Despite COVID-19, the Self-Defense Fleet remains responsive and continues to deepen cooperative relationships through various deployment activities and multi-lateral training events, and contributes to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.