Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Embarks on Offshore Training Cruise
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) is currently conducting its Offshore Training Cruise (Internal) to equip junior officers with essential practical training and fostering international cooperation. The training division consists of JS Ariake and JS Hamagiri, Japan’s destroyer ships, which are currently on a seven-week overseas training cruise with 100 newly commissioned officers who graduated from the JMSDF Officer Candidate School.
Training Cruise Objectives
The training cruise aims to strengthen diplomatic engagements with partner nations and involves approximately 450 personnel on board, including trainees from the 58th General Officer Candidate Course (Internal Course). The training division is designed to provide junior officers with practical experience in various aspects of naval operations, including navigation, communication, and combat tactics.
Port Call in Malaysia
As part of this initiative, JMSDF destroyers JS Ariake and JS Hamagiri made a port call at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal on Wednesday. The JMSDF ships were warmly received by the Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Karimata Atsushi.
Importance of Regional Security Cooperation
In his remarks, Karimata expressed gratitude to the officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) for their hospitality, highlighting the importance of regional security cooperation. He emphasized that the security environment surrounding us, including the South China Sea, is becoming increasingly complex. Close cooperation with ASEAN member states and other regional partners is indispensable to ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Strait of Malacca, which lies before us.
Promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific"
Karimata reiterated that the government of Japan is committed to promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" to uphold the rules-based international order, facilitate the free and active movement of people and goods, and supporting economic activities in the region.
Exchanges and Receptions
During their stay in Malaysia, trainee officers will have the opportunity to visit the RMN’s Lumut Naval Base, participate in various exchange programs, and host a reception onboard during this port visit. "I sincerely hope that these interactions will further deepen mutual understanding between the JMSDF and the Royal Malaysian Navy and contribute to strengthening defence cooperation between Japan and Malaysia," Karimata said.
Future Plans
Before arriving in Malaysia, the JMSDF ships made a port call in Manila, the Philippines on Feb 25, and following their visit to Port Klang, they are scheduled to proceed to Laem Chabang, Thailand, as part of their extended offshore training programme.
Conclusion
The JMSDF’s Offshore Training Cruise is an essential step in building relationships with partner nations and fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of regional security cooperation. The training division’s port call in Malaysia is a testament to the strong ties between Japan and Malaysia, and we look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the JMSDF’s Offshore Training Cruise?
A: The training cruise aims to equip junior officers with essential practical training and fostering international cooperation.
Q: How many personnel are on board the JMSDF ships?
A: Approximately 450 personnel, including trainees from the 58th General Officer Candidate Course (Internal Course).
Q: What are the JMSDF ships scheduled to do during their stay in Malaysia?
A: The trainee officers will have the opportunity to visit the RMN’s Lumut Naval Base, participate in various exchange programs, and host a reception onboard during this port visit.