Forces.This year, approximately 400 GSDF members took part in the drill, with over 20 aircraft, including a C-130, a C-1, and CH-47Js and 53 vehicles including 74 tanks and light armored vehicles.To begin with, 1,400 meter drops by members of the reconnaissance squadron, reconnaissance operation by reconnaissance hel icopters and a dri l l for suppression against enemies at a landing site by anti-tank helicopters. A rifle platoon of 80 members then did a drop from a transport aircraft. They carried out simulated combat training such as forming a line of defense with a motor unit and blocking an invasion by enemy armored forces with gaining support of firing from helicopters.Under the fine weather with occasional strong cold winds, about 10,000 spectators turned their intent looks on the a spectacle of the drill.After the airdrop drill was over, the members of the brigade in formed lines, Defense Minister Kitazawa addressed as follows:“Observing the first drill in this new year by the First Airborne Brigade, I feel great pride as Minister of Defense in being here today with the members of the brigade with high morale and proficiency. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces require a ready response to new threats and various situations, and the role of the First Airborne Brigade with superior maneuverability continues to be vital.Much attention tends to be paid to the First Airborne Brigade’s aerial operations, but your operations after landing are also extremely important. I know that you

have gained the skills necessary for the execution of your miss ions and bui l t up your bodies and disciplined your mind through hard training in which you often have to place yourselves in the extremely severe situation without any sleep and rest in several days.I know that the first airdrop drill is a traditional event for the First Airborne Brigade. I hope that you will enhance the First Airborne Brigade which your predecessors had built up and devote yourselves to training under the command of Major General Nagai to live up to the trust and expectations of the public. I also wish you all the best in health and achievement.

On January 10, the 2010 airdrop drill by the First Airborne Brigade (Commander: Major General Masahiro Nagai) was conducted at the Narashino Training Ground. This training event takes place annually, and has been open to the public since 1974. There were approximately 10,000 spectators this year.The drill began at 11 a.m., when CH-47 helicopters appeared in the skies over the practice ground. Led by the commander Major General Nagai, the commander of Special Operation Group, Colonel Aoki, Staff Sergeant Hino, the youngest of the brigade, Private Kodera and several other soldiers made a 340 meter parachute jump.Minister of Defense, Toshimi Kitazawa, who had been observing the airdrop, then ascended the platform for the review and the airdrop battle dril l began, observed by senior personnel from the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Defense, National Diet members, and representatives of the United States

The 2010 airdrop drill by the First Airborne Brigade takes place at the Narashino Training Ground, January 10.

News Flashes

SpecialPhoto

2010 MarchNo.17

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces

MINISTRYOF

DEFENSE

JAPANDEFENSEFOCUSINSIDE : The disaster assistance e�orts for the Haiti earthquakeTermination of Replenishment Support Activities in the Indian Ocean

Toshimi Kitazawa, Minister of Defense, observing the drill

The drill takes place under the bright blue sky.

The airdrop drill was observed by Minister of Defense, Toshimi Kitazawa.

1MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

Current News

Medical Assistance in HaitiOn January 14, in response to the Haiti earthquake, Ministry of Defense dispatched a member of the Self Defense Forces and a Ministry official to Haiti as a Disaster Relief Investigation Team, together with personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The next day, January 15, the Minister of Defense, Toshimi Kitazawa, after consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a Disaster relief Team dispatch preparation order. Following thie direction, the return to Japan of an Air Self-Defense Force C-130H aircraft which had completed training in Arizona, U.S.A., was canceled and it was subsequently relocated from the Travis Air Force Base in California to the Homestead Air Force base in Miami, Florida, near the Republic of Haiti.The survey team entered the Republic of Haiti on January 16, surveyed the Port-au-Prince Airport, and began coordinating with related organizations. On January 17, it was determined that the airport status allowed for safe operating conditions, and Minster of D e f e n s e K i t a z a w a g a v e a n o r d e r t o i n i t i a t e transportation. The JSDF C-130H aircraft transported the Self-Defense Forces survey team and medical team of Japan International Cooperation Agency to Port-au-Prince airport. By its return flight, the C-130H

aircraft transported the United States citizens and others who required emergency evacuation to Miami.On January 20, the Minister of Defense ordered the dispatch of a JSDF Medical Assistance Team. In response, the Ground Self-Defense Force Middle Army Commander formed a Haiti Disaster Relief Medical Assistance Team headed by COL Makoto Shirakawa. The team comprised 40 medical and hygiene personnel (including 14 medical officers), 60 logistics support personnel and about 10 personnel as interpreters from the Ground Self-Defense Force Middle Army Headquarters and the Central Readiness Force.The Assistance Team departed Narita Airport for Miami on a charter flight on January 21 and subsequently entered Haiti from Miami by C-130H aircraft. Once on station, the team took over the activities of the medical team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and support organizations. From January 23, they began medical work in Leogane City, on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. On January 21, an ASDF C-130H was dispatched to replace the same type of aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force Haiti Disaster Relief Airlift Unit. The replacement aircraft took over the airlift mission between Florida and Haiti.Leogane, the base of the Team’s activities, was about 10km west of the quake epicenter, and about 90% of the city’s buildings were destroyed. There was a constant influx of displaced people into Leogane from Port-au-Prince.The Team conducted its medical activities from January 23 for 3 weeks. However, the number of patients with chronic diseases unrelated to the earthquake amounted to over 80% of the total at that time. Considering other factors such as the reopening of local medical establishments, the Minister of Defense issued an order for termination of the international disaster activities on February 12. After the termination of medical activities by the Assistance Team on February 13, the Japanese Red Cross Society

took over medical support activities on February 14. Between January 23 and February 13, 2954 people were treated.After termination of their activities, the Team flew by C-130H transport to Miami where they boarded a special government aircraft and returned to Japan on February 18.

On January 12, (January 13 Japan time), the Republic of Haiti, located in the Caribbean Sea, was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake, with the epicenter about 15km from Port-au-Prince, the capital of the country. As of February 25, the earthquake had claimed about 222,500 lives, about 310,000 injured persons, and rendered about 2,240,000 people homeless. 59,000 people remain missing. Of the Haitian Republic’s total population of 9.61 million, 3.7 million were affected by the quake. In total, approximately 100,500 houses were destroyed and 208,000 more were damaged.The Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces, in response to the Haitian government’s request, dispatched the Disaster Relief Medical Assistance Team. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution to increase the staff members of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and in response to the UN’s request for cooperation, Self-Defense Forces Engineer Unit was dispatched to Haiti based on the International Peace Cooperation Law.

Dispatch of the Disaster Relief Medical Assistance Team

Damaged houses in Haiti

Medical Treatment by Medical Assistance Team in Léogane

The International Relief Team to Haiti removing rubble

The Disaster Assistance Efforts for the Haiti earthquake

Dispatch of International Disaster Relief TeamDispatch of JSDF to MINUSTAH

2 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

B a c k g r o u n d o f t h e P K O U n i t DispatchThe political situation in the Republic of Haiti became unstable in 2004. Security had also worsened rapidly, leading to the president’s departure from the country. In the same year, the United Nations resolution No. 1542 established the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), to keep the law and order of the country.The Republic of Haiti suffered immense damage from the earthquake, so on January 19, the United Nations Security Council, recognizing the seriousness of the matter and the necessity of emergency response, adopted on a resolution to increase MINUSTAH personnel by 3,500 in order to support the speedy recovery, reconstruction and stability of the nation. Following the adoption of the resolution, the United Nations requested countries to rapidly dispatch support personnel. Japan decided to provide proper cooperation in response to this request to promote our human cooperation in the United Nations efforts for the international peace in order to take more responsibility for the peace and stability in the world. Therefore, on January 25, Japan conveyed to the Secretariat of the United Nations its intention to dispatch a Self-Defense Forces Engineering Unit. On the same day, the Minister of Defense issued an instruction for preparations for dispatching the units to the Chiefs of Staff.On January 27, a survey team consisting of three officials from the Ministry of Defense and International Peace Cooperation Headquarters was dispatched to the stricken area. On January 29, in response to an official request for the accelerated dispatch of a Self-Defense Forces Engineering Unit from the United Nations Secretariat, the government decided to increase the size of the survey team. On January 30, an additional 11 personnel from the Ministry of Defense and 1 personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dispatched. The survey team assessed the state of roads and buildings in Haiti, and researched what type of equipment and materials were required for activities of the Engineering Unit.

Dispatch of the “ International Relief Team to Haiti”On February 5, the Japanese government made a c a b i n e t d e c i s i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e “ P l a n f o r Implementation of International Peace Cooperation

Assignment in Haiti.” Following this decision, Defense Minister Kitazawa issued an “Order for Self-Defense Forces Operations for Implementation of International Peace Cooperation Assignment in Haiti.” On the morning of February 6, a ceremony for the complet ion of the formation of the PKO Unit “International Relief Team to Haiti” composed primarily of personnel of the JGSDF Central Readiness Regiment was held at the Ministry of Defense with attendance by about 200 of the initial dispatch personnel from the Unit . On the af ternoon of the same day , the presentation of the flags of the Unit took place, where Defense Minister Kitazawa presented the flags to Unit Commander COL. Yamamoto. The presentation ceremony at the Ministry of Defense Hall was attended by Prime Minister Hatoyama, Minister of Defense Kitazawa, the families of the Unit members to be dispatched, members of the National Diet, and senior members of the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces. Prime Minister Hatoyama said “As human beings, we should help others who are in trouble. I would like you to show the presence of Japan to the world, as a country that protects human lives.” Defense Minister Kitazawa also expressed his “sincere hope that the unit members would contribute to the reconstruction of Haiti and the smooth operation of the United Nations in Haiti by using their skills acquired in regular training and disaster relief operations within Japan, and the experience acquired in United Nations peace keeping operations in Cambodia, East Timor, and other countries.” After that, the members of the unit departed the Ministry of Defense, after receiving a good send-off from their family members and guests, and departed from Narita and Haneda Airports for Miami. From Miami, approximately 200 first-dispatch Unit personnel were transported to Haiti via ASDF C-130H.

Commencement of Assistance to ReconstructionThe International Relief Team to Haiti was engaged mainly in rubble removal and land preparation. These tasks required about 150 vehicles (about 40 medium-sized bulldozers, hydraulic shovels, etc., about 90 trucks and trailers, and about 20 light armored vehicles) which were transported by an Antonov, a large-sized transport aircraft to the neighboring Dominican Republic and then overland by vehicles to

the Self-Defense Forces Camp to Haiti.Outline of the International Relief Team to Haiti is as follows.Type: Engineering UnitSize: About 350 personnel (including 190 personnel of the United Nations, and 160 support personnel of Self-Defense Forces.)Equipments: Approx. 150 vehiclesWeapons: Self-defense weapons (pistols, small rifles, machine guns)Type of activities: Rubble removal, land preparation for suffered people camp sites, road repairs, small facility construction.Active region: environs of Port-au-PrinceTime-frame: February 5 2010 – November 30, 2010 (Six months requested by the United Nations plus about three months for pulling out).

The first dispatched members completed their deployment of personnel and equipment by February 14, and on February 16, started land preparation activities in the MINUSTAH-controlled area in the area of the Port-au-Prince Airport.The first dispatched members belonged mainly to the Central Readiness Regiment which can be rapidly deployed in an emergency such as an earthquake to engage in recovery operations. Their missions were to start engineering works immediately after arriving at Haiti and, concurrently, conduct ground works for a unit camp. After that, the first dispatched members of the Unit were replaced with the approximately 350 second dispatched members and the International Relief Team to Haiti entered full engagement in its reconstruction mission.The second dispatched members, who mainly came from the 5th Brigade and the Northern Engineering Corps, was formed into an engineering unit led by COL. Fukunaga. On February 18, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Shimba, Commander of Northern Army, Lieutenant General Sakai, family members of the Unit members and other guests attended a send-off ceremony at Camp Obihiro. The second dispatched members departed from Japan on February 24. Their deployment came to an end in late March.

United Nations Peace Keeping Operations (PKO) Unit in Haiti

Prime Minister Hatoyama delivering his words to the International Relief Team to Haiti at the Presentation of the Flag of Unit.

Minister of Defense Kitazawa presented the flag of unit to unit commander Colonel Yamamoto at the ceremony of the presentation of the flag of unit.

Prime Minister Hatoyama shaking hands with Colonel Yamamoto, the unit commander of the International Relief Team to Haiti.

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010 3MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

Topics

001 Defense Minister Kitazawa appointed Mr. Tetsuya Nishimoto to the post of special advisor to the Minister of Defense.

002 The Meeting of Directors of Regional Defense Bureau was held with attendance by Minister of Defense Kitazawa.

003The maiden flight of the XC-2 next-generation transport aircraft successfully completed at the Gifu base of the Air Self Defense Force.

of the new administration.Mr. Nishimoto is 73 years old, born in 1936, graduated from the National Defense Academy and entered the Ground Self Defense Force(GSDF) in 1959. After occupying posts such as Vice Chief of Staff, GSDF and Commander of the GSDF Middle Army, he became GSDF Chief of Staff in March 1992, and then Chairman of the Joint Staff Office in July 1993. He retired from GSDF in March 1996. When he was GSDF Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Staff Office, he directed the dispatch of a 600-personnel engineering battalion to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, which was the first peacekeeping operations by the SDF.After the retirement, Mr. Nishimoto became chair of the NPO “Japan Mine Action Service” and engaged in support for the reconstruction of Cambodia by the disporsal of unexploded bombs and mines by former members of the SDF. He is now the chairman of the NPO, “The International Strategic Synergy Society." From August 1998 to March 2002, he was an advisor to the Japan Defense Agency.Minister of Defense Kitazawa stated regarding the appointment of Mr. Nishimoto that he was “a man with extensive experience and great insight. We will seek his advices in all matters of regarding defense policy. This year, in particular, we have to revise the National Defense Program Guidelines, and have the issue the reform of the Ministry of Defense as a major theme of discussion. I would like to avail myself of Mr. Nishimoto’s insight for the reform of the Ministry.”

attendance by Defense Minister Kitazawa and Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Nishimoto. The meeting takes place every year for the purpose of reporting on pending issues at each regional bureau, and exchanging opinions.Defense Minister Kitazawa made an address of instructions, stating “the regional defense bureaus are engaged in complex and difficult coordination with the local entities to promote policies of the Ministry of Defense including the realignment of the U.S. forces,” and expressing his appreciation for efforts by each director. He also stated, “there was no difference between the central office of the Ministry of Defense and Regional Defense Bureaus in importance of missions and gravity of responsibilities to protect the peace and security of the people.” and expressed his hope that the Ministry of Defense and the Self Defense Forces would continue to work on their duties in united manner.This was followed by reports from the director of each regional defense bureau about major and pending issues and exchange of opinions based on them.

Meeting of Directors of the Regional Defense Bureaus

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. at the ASDF Gifu Air Base.The flight was supported by the airspace surveillance, air traffic control, and in-base rescue preparation by the Gifu Air Base. The XC-2 took off the base at 10:21, its systems were tested, and it returned to base in 1 hour and 10 minutes.C-1 transport aircraft which are currently operated will see the expiration of their service lives. The XC-2 is the successor of the C-1, and has been developed since 2001 as a domestically manufactured transport aircraft. The main specifications are as follows: length: 43.9m, wingspan: 44.4m, height: 14.2m, and basic takeoff weight: 120.1 tons.The XC-2 is the latest tactical mid-sized transport aircraft in the world, with a fly-by-wire control system, the flight control system, and an energy-saving cargo unloading system. The amount of transportation, speed and endurance distance of XC-2 are much more than those of C-1.The XC-2 is expected to be used in airlift missions in disaster relief operations and international peace cooperation activities by the SDF as well as in contingencies.

Successful Maiden Flight of the XC-2, Next-Generation Transport Aircraft

Former Chairman of the Joint Staff Office, Mr. Tetsuya Nishimoto, was appointed as Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense

On January 8, Defense Minister Kitazawa appointed Mr. Tetsuya Nishimoto to the post of special advisor to the Minister of Defense after the government approved the appointment. The post of Special Advisors to the Minister of Defense was established on August 1 last year at the time of the abolition of the advisory structure by Defense Councilors as a part of the reform of the Ministry of Defense. It had been vacant since the inauguration

On January 14, the first meeting of Directors of Regional Defense Bureaus after the change of government was held at the Ministry of Defense with

On January 26, the next-generation transport aircraft, the XC-2, successfully completed its maiden flight conducted by the aircraft’s manufacturer,

4 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

The 45th Meeting of the MOD and SDF Senior Personnel was convened at the Ministry of Defense on January 13 with presence of the Supreme Commander of the Self Defense Forces, Prime Minister Hatoyama. Defense Minister Kitazawa and about 170 senior members of the MOD and SDF were in attendance to internally disseminate the policies of the Ministry of Defense and exchange opinions on major issues facing the Self Defense Forces.Prime Minister Hatoyama arrived at the Ministry of Defense at 10 am before the opening of the meeting and received the first salute from the guard of honor since taking office as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then gave an opening address, praising the Self Defense Forces as saying “there is no doubt that the SDF has been devoting themselves to protect the lives of people.” Regarding the expiration on January 15 of the law which authorized replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean, he stated, “there is a difference of policy on this issue between the government and the previous administration, and therefore, all those involved in the operations at Indian Ocean will return to Japan. However, we cannot thank enough for great efforts by each and every of them. “Regarding the relationship between Japan and the United States, he expressed his thoughts, saying, “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the revision of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. I think that it is very important to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance. For this reason, we fully understand the great importance of this year.”Defense Minister Kitazawa followed by saying, “This year will see an overall review of the National Defense Program Guidelines, and the formulation of Mid-Term Defense Program. Therefore, I would like all of you to concentrate your wisdom on your work to accurately analyze and assess our complex and fluid security environment and the current status of our defense capabilities and actively examine how our defense capabilities should be.”Following this, Mr. Katsuya Nomura, the former manager of the professional baseball team, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, delivered a lecture on the theme of leadership. In the afternoon, representatives of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Tohoku Defense Bureau made briefings.

The 45th Meeting of the MOD and SDF Senior Personnel

Japan-Italy Vice-Ministerial MeetingOn February 4, Japan-Italy Vice-Ministerial Meeting was held in Tokyo. Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Shimba and other officials from Japan, and Under Secretary of State for Defence Guido Crosetto and other officials from Italy attended the meeting. It was the first time for a politician at the Italian Ministry of Defence to visit Japan officially.At the meeting, both sides welcomed the opportunity to promote real practical and concrete bilateral cooperation between the defense authorities and shared their view that it was important to deepen their relationship.The Japanese side explained its system of hosting foreign students at the National Defense Academy of

Japan and at the National Institute for Defense Studies. T h e I t a l i a n s i d e e x p r e s s e d i t s d e s i r e t o comprehensively strengthen cooperation with Japan by such means as exchanges of students. The Japanese side highly evaluated Italy’s anti-piracy measures off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, and the dispatch of units to Afghanistan and other commitments to the International peace Cooperative Activities..Regarding the use of outer space in the field of defense, the Italian side introduced its radar satellites. The Japanese side stated its information to learn from Italy regarding the development and use of outer space in the field of security.

The Italian side said that the Eurofighter was a outstanding aircraft and that Japan’s introduction of this aircraft would have deepened Japan’s defense cooperative relationship with Italy and other European countries. Japan responded that nothing had been decided yet for the selection of the F-X , and that it would thoroughly examine the F-X.Both sides confirmed the importance of close bilateral cooperation as nations which shared such values as freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in the drastically changing international situation including the rise of China and India.

Please receive the JDF e-mail magazine by registering via the online "Japan Defense Focus"http://www.mod.go.jp/e/mail/mail.html

JDF e-mail magazine, subscribable via the online "Japan Defense Focus"

The 45th Meeting of the MOD and SDF Senior Personnel was convened at the Ministry of Defense.004

Meeting with Foreign Leaders

Information

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010 5MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

Termination of Replenishment Support Activities in the Indian Ocean

The homecoming ceremony was held with attendance by Prime M i n i s t e r H a t o y a m a , D e f e n s e Minister Kitazawa and numerous government officials.

The last dispatched unit for the replenishment support activities, the replenishment ship “Mashuu” and the destroyer “Ikazuchi”, arrived at Harumi wharf on February 6 at 10 a.m. Captain Sakai, the Commander of the 7th Escort Division, and the ships crew, formed a line in the wharf. The homecoming ceremony started at 11 a.m. with attendance by Prime Minister Hatoyama, Defense Minister Kitazawa, 25 Diet Members, senior officials of the Ministry of Defense, diplomats from countries such as the United States, France, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and family members of the MSDF vessel’s crew.Captain Sakai said, "In the past eight years, continual deployment of MSDF units to the Indian Ocean prevented international terrorism and maintained the safety of sea lane. Taking lessons from these activities, we will strive to new duty."Prime Minister Hatoyama presented a special Prime Minister Certificate and commemorative gift to the unit, and praised the activities in the past eight years, addressing "The dispatched units have shown their high operational ability to other nation’s navies during the period of activity. The logistical support for the dispatched units was also outstanding. As Prime Minister, I am very proud of the professionalism of the Self-Defense Forces. I would also like to express my profound gratitude to the families and related persons of the personnel of the dispatched units. I would like to express the same thanks to the more than 13,000 personnel who were involved in the activities."

Defense Minister Kitazawa then addressed "The replenishment support activities under severe environmental conditions must be very stressful. As Minister of Defense, I am very proud of each of you who accomplished your missions and safely returned to Japan under the command of Captain Ryo Sakai, the Commander of the dispatched unit, Captain Takashi Shinagawa, the Commanding Officer of the replenishment ship “Mashuu” and Commander Tokihiko Umezaki the Commanding Officer of the destroyer “Ikazuchi”. I also hereby express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to other people for the effort and understanding to support the dispatched units, especially the family members of dispatched units personnel who stayed at home and gave them emotional support.”The Commander in Chief, the Self-Defense Fleet, Vice-

Admiral Masahiko Sugimoto, addressed "The activities in the Indian Ocean show Japan's active participation on its own initiative in the international community's efforts to prevent and eradicate international terrorism. The replenishment support activities undertaken by the Maritime Self-Defense Force to prevent terrorism in the ocean was highly evaluated by various countries. Each of you realize it keenly in the scene. You took part in the duties which could be called historical, and I sincerely hope that you take great pride in your duties in which you were involved. I also expect all of you to use this valuable experience to contribute to your duties in the future including training the unit." He ended his speech with words of appreciation to the family members of dispatched units and those who had supported the unit.

The last unit for Replenishment Support Activities in the Indian Ocean returned to Japan.Defense Minister Kitazawa issued an order to terminate replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean effective 2400 on January 15 because the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law expired on the same day. The order directed the MSDF vessel which had engaged in replenishment support activities to return to Japan. The MSDF vessel had supported vessels from various foreign countries which participated in anti-terrorism maritime interdiction operations. Subsequently, the replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean which had started in 2001 were terminated.

The 7th Replenishment Support Unit performed the replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean

The Homecoming Ceremony for the Replenishment Support Unit in the Indian Ocean was held with attendance by the Diet Members, senior officials of the Ministry of Defense, diplomats of countries concerned and the family members of the dispatched unit personnel.

Prime Minister Hatoyama presented a special Prime Minister Certificate and a commemorative gift to the dispatched unit.

After arriving at Harumi wharf, the 7th Replenishment Support Unit personnel lined up on the wharf.

Special Feature

6 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

Country Refueling of ships Water supply

Refueling of shipboard helicopters

USA 353 0 31UK 33 0 4France 100 0 3Germany 29 0 9Pakistan 150 128 14Canada 43 0 3New Zealand 15 0 0Netherlands 11 0 0Italy 40 0 3Spain 10 0 0Greece 10 0 0Total 794 128 67

Achievements based on the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law(December 2001 to October 2007)

Number of replenishment operations by country

Amount of replenishment (total)Fuel for ships: approximately 490,000 klWater supply: approximately 6,930 tonsFuel for shipboard helicopters: approximately 990 kl

Total personnel dispatched: 10,900

Total vessels dispatchedReplenishment ships: 20Destroyers: 37Other: 2

CountryRefueling of ships

(approx. kl)

Water supply (approx.

tons)

Refueling of shipboard helicopters (approx. kl)

Pakistan 9,060 4,165 20France 3,990 0 5Germany 2,190 0 70Canada 1,915 10 30USA 6,365 0 60UK 2,040 20 30New Zealand 310 0 0Denmark 1,130 0 0Total 27,005 4,195 210

Amounts supplied by country

Total personnel dispatched: 2,400

Total vessels dispatchedReplenishment ships: 7Destroyers: 7

Country Refueling of ships Water supply

Refueling of shipboard helicopters

Pakistan 64 64 3France 28 0 1Germany 13 0 4Canada 8 1 2USA 14 0 4UK 13 2 4New Zealand 1 0 0Denmark 4 0 0Total 145 67 18

Achievements based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law(February 2008 to January 15 2010)

Number of replenishment operations by country

Achievements of the Replenishment Support Activities

From December 2001 to October 2007 (activities based on the Former Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law) and from February 2008 to January 15, 2010 (activities based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law), approximately 510,000 kl of fuel for military vessels (total number of replenishments: 939), approximately 1,200 kl of fuel for shipboard helicopters (total number of replenishments: 85), and approximately 11,000 tons of water (total number of replenishments: 195) were supplied.The total number of dispatched personnel was approximately 13,300. The total number of dispatched replenishment ships was 27. The total number of dispatched destroyers was 44.

History and Overview of Support Activities

The maritime replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean that ended on January 15 of this year started in 2001.On September 11, 2001, the 9/11 attacks in U.S. occurred by the international terrorist group Al Qaeda. On October 7, international forces including U.S. personnel began an attack against Al Qaeda and Ta l iban a long the nat iona l border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.Japan decided to cooperate in such operations in order to contribute to the peace and security of the international community. On October 29, 2001, the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law was enacted with 2 years duration.On November 9, 2001, the destroyers “Kurama” and “Kirisame” and the replenishment ship “Hamana” departed for the Indian Ocean for an information-gathering mission. On December 2, the replenishment

ship “Hamana” arrived at the Indian Ocean and supplied the fuel to the USS Sacramento. It was the first MSDF replenishment activity in the Indian Ocean. F r o m t h e n o n , S D F c o n d u c t e d m a r i t i m e replenishment activities as its main operation, supplying vessel fuel, fuel for embarked helicopters, and water to various countries’ vessels which engaged in anti-terrorism operations. Since the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law had a two-year duration, the Japanese government extended it several times and continued MSDF replenishment activity. However, on November 2, 2007, the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expired. Consequently, the replenishment activities that had continued for six years came to an end, and Minister of Defense gave an order for withdrawing the replenishment ship “Tokiwa” and the destroyer “Kirisame”.After that, the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law which was designed to resume the maritime replenishment support activities was

enacted on January 16, 2008. On January 24, the first unit with the replenishment ship “Oumi” and the destroyer “Murasame” were dispatched to the Indian Ocean under this law and the replenishment support activities were resumed to prevent international terrorism and maintain the peace and stability of the world.Including the suspension of the activities, the replenishment activities continued for more than 8 years. However, the law expired on January 15 and, Japan's replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean were terminated following the completion of the 7th replenishment mission. (“Oumi” and the destroyer “Ikazuchi”)

Overview and Achievements of Replenishment Support Activities in the Indian Ocean.

Replenishment support activities by the replenishment ship “Towada”

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010 7MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010

Escort Operarions Performed by Surface Unit• December1. Number of Escort Operations: 9 (84th -92nd escort operation)2. Number of escorted vessels: 70 (Accumulated total of 380 escort vessels since the start of operations under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)BreakdownJapanese registered ships: 1 (Accumulated total of 3 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 14 (Accumulated total of 122 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)Foreign ships other than above: 55(Accumulated total of 255 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)• January1. Number of Escort Operations: 10 (93rd – 102nd escort operation)2.Number of escorted vessels: 82 (Accumulated total of 462 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)BreakdownJapanese registered ships: 1 (Accumulated total of 4 escort vessels under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 18(Accumulated total of 140 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)Foreign ships other than above: 63(Accumulated total of 318 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)• February1. Number of Escort Operations: 9 (103rd – 111th escort operation)2. Number of escorted vessels: 90 (Accumulated total of 552 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)BreakdownJapanese registered ships: 0 (Accumulated total of 4 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 19 (Accumulated total of 159 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)Foreign ships other than above: 71(Accumulated total of 389 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)3. Instances of provision of information from MSDF destroyers to other nations’ warships and/or commercial shipsOn 19 February, a Japanese helicopter which was based on destroyer “Takanami” was engaged in patrol operations when it detected a suspicious boat, heading north, that was located

more than ten nautical miles of the 109th escort convoy. The helicopter visually confirmed that the boat was carrying seven people, numerous plastic containers, and a ladder-like thing, and the information was provided to relevant organizations and countries. A foreign ship-based helicopter took over surveillance activities and the Japanese helicopter returned to destroyer “Takanami”.

Activities of P-3C Patrol Aircraft• December1. Number of flights: 20 (Accumulated total:126)2. Flight hours: approximately 150 (Accumulated total: approximately 990)3. Number of confirmed commercial ships: approximately 1400 (Accumulated total: approximately 8700)4. Number of provision of information from P-3Cs to Japanese destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships: approximately 180(Accumulated total: approximately 820)5. Instances of provisions of information from P-3Cs to other nation’s warship and/or commercial ships(i) On 11 December, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it detected a suspicious small-sized boat with a ladder-like thing. This information was provided to foreign warships and commercial ships sailing nearby, and a Canadian ship-based helicopter and a Portuguese warship that received information rushed to the suspected boat. The P-3C visually confirmed that the ladder had been jettisoned and a cover concealing it was folded.* After that, the Portuguese warship conducted an on-board inspection of the boat in question. However, no weapons were found, so the boat was released.(ii) On 7 December, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it received a report from a German warship that a commercial ship was allegedly being attacked by pirates. The P-3C rushed to the site, but the foreign warship had already been responding to the pirates, so it returned to normal patrol operations.(i i i) On 29 December, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it confirmed a U.K.-registered commercial ship, “ST. JAMES PARK”, had been hijacked by pirates on 28 December. The P-3C provided the information about the hijacked ship to relevant organizations and countries.• January1. Number of flights: 20 (Accumulated total:146)2. Flight hours: approximately 160 (Accumulated total: approximately 1150)

3. Number of confirmed commercial ships: approximately 1300 (Accumulated total: approximately 10000)4. Number of provision of information from P-3Cs to J a p a n e s e d e s t r o y e r s , a n d / o r c o m m e r c i a l s h i p s : approximately 210(Accumulated total: approximately 1030)5. Instances of provisions of information from P-3Cs to other nation’s warship and/or commercial ships(i) On 1 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it detected a suspicious ship with a ladder-like thing, towing a small-sized boat. A foreign warship took over surveillance activities and the P-3C returned to normal patrol operations.(ii) On 5 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it received information from relevant organization or country regarding a suspicious ship. The P-3C went to confirm two ships and two boats, but did not find anything particularly suspicious, so reported as such to nearby commercial ships and warships.(iii) On 16 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it received information from relevant organization or country regarding an attempted piracy incident. The P-3C rushed to the site and confirmed a small ship and a Turkish warship pursuing it. Because the Turkish warship had been responding to it, the P-3C returned to normal patrol operations.* According to news reports, the Turkish warship conducted a on-board inspection and confiscated weapons.(iv) On 17 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations when it received information from a commercial ship that the ship was being under the attack by pirates. The P-3C rushed to the site and confirmed a small ship. An Italian ship-based helicopter which also had received the same information from the commercial ship took over surveillance activities and the P-3C returned to normal patrol operations.• February1. Number of flights: 13 (Accumulated total:159)2. Flight hours: approximately 100 (Accumulated total: approximately 1250)3. Number of confirmed commercial ships: approximately 800 (Accumulated total: approximately 10800)4. Number of provision of information from P-3C to Japanese destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships: approximately 130 (Accumulated total: approximately 1160)5. Instances of provisions on information from P-3Cs to other nation’s warship and/or commercial shipsNothing particular was reported.

100 Escort Operations AchievedOn January 24, the surface unit of the Maritime Self Defense Force completed its 100th escort operation for its anti-piracy measures.The destroyers of the 1st surface unit “Sazanami” and “Samidare”, began escort activities as the Maritime Security Operation under the article 82 of the Self-Defense Forces Law on March 30, 2009, and escorted 121 vessels in 41 operations. The destroyers of the 2nd surface unit, “Harusame” and “Amagiri”, escorted 248 vessels in 34 operations under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law which enabled MSDF to provide escort to every civil vessel regardless of nationalities. The 3rd surface unit, destroyers “Takanami” and “Hamagiri” escorted 193 vessels in 25 operations. As a result, a total of 562 vessels were escorted in 100 operations.Minister of Defense Kitazawa spoke to the commander of the unit, Captain Yasuki Nakahata, by videophone, encouraging him by saying “I am proud of the high evaluation of Japan’s contribution by your efforts.”Mr. Koji Miyahara, the president of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association, delivered a message to Ministry of Defense as follows: “Nothing can be more encouraging to the commercial ships in this area than the escort activities carried out by the Maritime Self Defense Force. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Maritime Self Defense Force personnel and Japan Coast Guard Officers who engaged in their duties under conditions of high temperature and stress. We pray that you may safely complete your duties.”Replacement by The 3rd Air UnitThe 2nd air unit which performed flight operations was taken over by the 3rd air unit.The 3rd air unit, commanded by Commander Masahiko Shimizu, Vice Commander, 2nd Air Patrol Squadron, 2nd Fleet Air Wing, composed of about 100 members of the Maritime Self

Defense Force, and about 50 personnel mainly from Central Readiness Force Regiment, Ground Self Defense Force. The 3rd air unit began its mission on February 9.Replacement by The 4th Surface UnitThe 3rd surface unit engaged in anti-piracy measures was replaced by the 4th surface unit commanded by Captain Takanobu Minami, the commander of the 6th Escort Division.A sending-off ceremony for the 4th surface unit destroyer “Oonami” (Commanding Officer: Commander Yukihiko Okubo) was held on January 29 at Yokosuka Base. And another sending off ceremony for another 4th surface unit destroyer “Sawagiri” (Commanding Officer, Commander Kimio Shibata), also took place on January 30 at Sasebo Base. The two destroyers sailed to their destination together.The 4th surface unit began the 110th (the 69th under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law) escort operation on February 25.

The Destroyer “Oonami” of the 4th Surface Unit departed from Yokosuka Base for off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.

Defense Policy

Anti-Piracy Measures off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

8 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010