JMSDF conducted a multilateral exercise

During 6-7 November, Escort Flotilla 2 conducted a multilateral exercise with foreign navies that participated in International Fleet Review in order to improve our search and rescue capabilities, promote mutual understanding, and deepen relationship of trust.
Seven escort ships, including the JS ASHIGARA and the minesweeper JS URAGA, P-1, US-2 and SH-60K, assets participated as search and rescue forces, as well as foreign warships and medical personnel from 10 countries. In this exercise, four ships, including JS CHICHIJIMA, acted as ships in need of rescue, while multilateral forces conducted search and rescue by air and water.
The Commander Escort Flotilla 2, RADM SHIMIZU Hitoshi said, “The key to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific is “free and open seas.” Through this exercise, we were able to further cooperation with the participating navies and contribute to maintaining and strengthening regional peace and stability and maritime order.”
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and friendly navies.

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