ITS Andrea Doria with JS Harusame in the background
ITS Andrea Doria with JS Harusame in the background

Officers from the Japanese Ship (JS) Harusame, currently assigned to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) counter-piracy task force CTF-151, took the opportunity to visit the flagship of the EU Naval Force counter-piracy mission, Italian Ship (ITS) Andrea Doria, when they found themselves operating in close proximity.

Following a high level of piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia, CMF established CTF-151 in 2009 to work with other international organisations, such as the EU Naval Force, to deter, disrupt and thwart piracy operations. Opportunities such as this meeting at sea offer a chance to share best practice and ensure that the international community can work together as effectively as possible to defeat piracy.

The delegation from JS Harusame was warmly welcomed by the crew of ITS Andrea Doria and the EU Naval Force staff
The delegation from JS Harusame was warmly welcomed by the crew of ITS Andrea Doria and the EU Naval Force staff

JS Harusame, assigned to CMF and also home to the Japanese national 20th Deployed Surface Force for Counter-Piracy, was operating in the Gulf of Aden when ITS Andrea Doria, escorting a World Food Programme ship, sailed close by. Leading the delegation from JS Harusame, Captain Masatoshi Kashihara, commander of the 20th Deployment of the Surface Force for Piracy Enforcement, was welcomed onboard by the EU Force Commander, Rear Admiral Guido Rando, and the Commanding Officer of ITS.Andrea Doria, Captain Virdis.

The EU Naval Force staff brief the crew from JS Harusame
The EU Naval Force staff brief the crew from JS Harusame

Having received an update briefing on the area of operations from the EU Naval Force, the Japanese officers were given a guided a tour of ITS Andrea Doria. The discussions throughout the day focused on enhancing the already strong bonds between CMF and the EU Naval Force, and sharing best practice on conducting counter-piracy operations.

The officers from JS Harusame were given a tour of the ITS Andrea Doria
The officers from JS Harusame were given a tour of the ITS Andrea Doria

Captain Kashihara said:

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to deepen our mutual understanding and trust so that we can work closer together to conduct counter-piracy operations in the area of operations.”

Rear Admiral Pakorn Wanich from the Royal Thai Navy and Commander of CTF-151 said:

“I am pleased that officers from CTF-151 warship JS.Harusame paid a visit to CTF-465 flagship ITS Andrea Doria at sea. The meeting was beneficial, both for the ships at sea and as a means of enhancing CMF’s cooperation with EU Naval Force.”