On Saturday 6th May 2017, Mr Hiroyuki Miyazawa, visited US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Japanese led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in Manama, Bahrain.
Image (left to right): Rear Admiral Fukuda JMSDF (Commander Combined Task Force 151), Commodore Warrender RN (Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces), Mr Hiroyuki Miyazawa (Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Defence) and Vice Admiral Donegan USN (Commander US Fifth Fleet, US Naval Forces Central Command and Commander Combined Maritime Forces) outside NAVCENT Headquarters.
Mr Miyazawa, the Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense, initially visited the Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan at NAVCENT headquarters for discussions on the involvement of Japan in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The meeting was ended with a traditional exchange of gifts.
Image: VADM Donegan USN and Mr Miyazawa discussed the involvement of Japan within Combined Maritime Forces and Combined Task Force 151.
After the completion of his visit to NAVCENT, Mr Miyazawa then visited the headquarters of CTF151. Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Commander of CTF151, was pleased to be given the opportunity to update Mr Miyazawa, and his team on the current situation regarding piracy and the operational focus of CTF151.
Image: RADM Fukuda introduces members of his multi-national CTF151 HQ to the Vice Minister of Defence.
Image: The Vice Minister of Defence with ADAM Fukuda and memebrs of the CTF151 HQ.
Image: RADM Fukuda briefs the Vice Minister on regional maritime security and the importance of the ongoing naval presence in the region.
Following the discussion, which covered regional maritime security and the importance of the ongoing naval presence in the region, the Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense was given a tour of CTF151 and introduced to the multi-national staff of the task force.
Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) is one of three task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Its mission is to promote maritime security through the deterrence and disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment.
Image: The Paliamentary Vice President for Defence meets a number of staff members that make up the CTF151 Headquarters.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 