JS IKAZUCHI conducted a Japan-U.S bilateral exercise.

On March 21st, Professor Atsushi Nishioka, Teikyo University (who was the first Ambassador of Japan in Djibouti) visited the JSDF base in Djibouti. DAPE and DGPE which are the counter-piracy forces of Japan briefed him about the present situation of counter piracy activity and defense exchanges with the other countries.

The Republic of Djibouti is located in the Bab el Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, the main artery of world trade connecting Europe and Asia. Supported by DGPE, JMSDF destroyers (DSPE) and patrol aircrafts (DAPE) have been deployed to engage in surveillance activities and escorting commercial ships day and night to maintain order along the important maritime transportation routes that support the global economy since the start of activities in 2009.

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.

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