The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), 3rd Surface Unit, JS KUMANO completed its mission and returned to Yokosuka Base.

On 10 June, the Third Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), JS KUMANO completed its mission and returned to Yokosuka Base.
Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, Vice Admiral SAITO Akira, thanked the deployed members for completing their mission and expressed his gratitude to their families and friends for their understanding and support.
The Commander of JS KUMANO, Commander SAKURAI Atsushi said, “Our contingent departed from Japan on 20 April and made port calls in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. We participated in International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX Asia 2023) in Changi, Singapore and Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA23) in Langkawi, Malaysia. We could show advancement, technical strength and laborsaving system of our latest destroyer. In addition, we deepened relationship of trust and mutual understanding with each navy and contributed to peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region through various exchange events and combined exercises.”
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 like-minded navies.