Japanese Destroyer Leaves For The Middle East

The Maritime Self-Defense Force's Takanami destroyer leaves its base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, for the Middle East on Sunday as part of the MSDF's first long-term intelligence-gathering mission abroad. KYODO

Japan Times/Bloomberg: Japanese destroyer leaves for Middle East intel-gathering mission

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA PREF. – A Japanese destroyer left its base in Kanagawa Prefecture for the Middle East on Sunday to join the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s first long-term intelligence-gathering mission abroad.

The 4,650-ton Takanami is scheduled to join the ongoing mission in late February. The mission commenced with the dispatch of MSDF P-3C patrol planes on Jan. 20, and is aimed at ensuring the safety of Japanese-related commercial shipping in the region, according to the government.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Defense Minister Taro Kono joined the families of the around 200 ship personnel at an event to send off the vessel at the MSDF’s base in the city of Yokosuka.

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More News On A Japanese Destroyer Leaving For The Middle East

Japanese warship heads to Middle East to protect tankers -- ABC News/AP
Japan sends warship to Gulf to protect oil tankers as US-Iran tensions simmer -- The Independent
Japanese destroyer heads to Middle East as Iran-US tension lingers -- The Times of Israel
Japan destroyer heads to Middle East as Iran-US tension lingers -- AFP
Japanese Warship Heads For Gulf Of Oman To Help Ensure Energy Supplies -- RFE
Japan sends destroyer to Middle East waters -- Arab Weekly

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