The Japanese Ambassador to Djibouti visited Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain, following a successful port visit by a Japanese ship to Djibouti.

During the port call last month by destroyer JS Teruzuki, members of her ship’s company demonstrated counter piracy techniques to Djiboutian Navy personnel.

These events followed discussions in March between Commander Combined Task Force 151 (CTF151), Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda JMSDF, and Djibouti Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Tahir Ali Mohamed. At the meeting in Djibouti, they discussed opportunities for further interaction and training from CTF151 ships visiting the port.

In order to deter and disrupt pirates from Somalia, the skills of military forces across the region are being developed. This interaction between JS Teruzuki and the Djiboutian Navy focused on demonstrations of Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) tactics and diving operations. The opportunity to share information contributes towards the ability of Djibouti’s Navy to undertake effective maritime security operations in the region.

Rear Admiral Fukuda said: “This was a great opportunity to assist the Djiboutian Navy by demonstrating and sharing skills that have been practiced during recent counter-piracy operations.”

JS Teruzuki has been attached to CTF151, conducting counter piracy operations off Somalia, since April this year. Japan also commits Djibouti-based P-3C maritime patrol aircraft to the task force, as part of an ongoing commitment to freedom of navigation and maritime security. Rear Admiral Fukuda is the second Japanese Commander of CTF151, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to counter piracy operations in the region.

On his visit to CMF headquarters and CTF151, the Japanese ambassador to Djibouti, HE Tatsuo Arai, exchanged information with Commander CMF, Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan USN, regarding maritime security including piracy issues. He also received an update from Rear Admiral Fukuda on current counter piracy operations and heard about the successful interaction between JS Teruzuki and the Djiboutian Navy.