NEWS

10th anniversary of the establishment of the Djibouti JSDF base of operations

On May 5, VADM YUASA Hideki, the Commander in chief, the Self-Defense Fleet, Commander of the Deployment Forces for Counter Piracy Enforcement to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia, held a commemorative event to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Djibouti JSDF base of operations.
Deployment Forces for Counter Piracy operation to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia began in March 2009, and in June 2011, JSDF deployed to Djibouti, the first overseas operation. Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of the JSDF first overseas operation base in Djibouti.
The ceremony was attended by officials of the Djibouti Armed Forces, ambassadors of Djibouti and representatives of the armed forces of each country stationed in Djibouti, OTUKA Umio, Ambassador of Japan in Djibouti, as well as NAKASONE Yasutaka, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense, and about 20 people from Japan, including officials of the Ministry of Defense, Self Defense Forces, and the Japan Shipowners Association. In addition to the commemorative ceremony, a commemorative performance was given by a band, and discussions were held.
OTUKA Umio, Ambassador of Japan in Djibouti, gave a congratulatory address and NAKASONE Yasutaka, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense gave an instruction at the ceremony.
RADM YAGI Koji, Chief of Staff of the Self-Defense Fleet said, “The activities of the dispatched units over the past decade have directly contributed to regional stability and, global development, ensuring the safety of maritime traffic, which is essential for the survival and development of our country. These activities have been highly evaluated both inside and outside of Japan. This reputation is the fruit of the efforts of each and every one of the 4,600 members of the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces who have been dispatched to Djibouti, and is a testament to the glorious history of JSDF. I would like to express my heartfelt respect to the many members of the JSDF who have been deployed, including those who are currently serving in the SDF”. The Chief of staff of the Self-Defense Fleet read the message from the Commander in chief, the Self-Defense Fleet on his behalf.
Deployment Forces for Counter Piracy Enforcement to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia will continue to cooperate with the armed forces of other countries to deter piracy in order to maintain public safety and order at sea.
The Self-Defense Fleet remains responsive, safeguards the peace and security of Japan and contributes to support stability in the Indo-Pacific region to realize of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.