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Japan deploys heli carrier JS Izumo to safeguard Indian, Pacific Oceans

PULAU INDAH: Crime, piracy and natural disasters remain a major concern for maritime peace and stability in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Japan says it is committed to asserting its role by deploying its helicopter carrier-destroyer JS Izumo, one of the two largest vessels in its naval fleet, along with JS Kaga.

Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) Escort Flotilla 1 commander Rear-Admiral Hiroshi Egawa said such threats were increasing in the region.

“Navies in this region are doing their utmost to ensure continued peace and stability, as maritime safety and security face big challenges in the busy sea lanes.

“To test our readiness, tactical capabilities and coordination, we regularly conduct joint exercises with the regional navies and maritime agencies.”

Egawa said the JMSDF had just concluded an integrated exercise with France, the United States and Australia in the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions.

Earlier, the JMSDF took part in the “Asean-Defence Minister’s Meeting (ADMM)-Plus maritime security field exercise 2019”, followed by the “International Maritime Defence Exhibition (Imdex) 2019” coordinated by Singapore.

“We are aware of the ongoing threats and such multilateral exercises help us check our inter-operability, strength and weaknesses.

“At the same time, it will enhance our mutual understanding and trust,” he said on board JS Izumo, at the Boustead Cruise Centre in Klang, Selangor.

Present were Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa and Royal Malaysian Navy deputy chief Vice-Admiral Datuk Khairul Anuar Yahya, who joined Japanese students and residents for a ship tour.

The 19,950-tonne and 248m long JS Izumo, which can accommodate up to 10 SH-90 helicopters, arrived at the cruise centre escorted by the destroyer JS Murasame, a 4,550-tonne and 151m vessel.

The vessels, with a total crew of 590, arrived today for a three-day visit that will include a field visit to underprivileged children in Port Klang.

Egawa said the visit to Port Klang was the second for JMSDF this year, following the participation of another destroyer, JS Asagiri, at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2019 exhibition last March.

It was reported that the flight decks of JS Izumo and JS Kaga can be modified to accommodate up to 10 each of the Lockheed Martin F-35B, a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft.

Tokyo is believed to have ordered about 40 F-35Bs, with an eventual fleet of over 105 F-35As to be operated by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).

Khairul said the RMN would conduct a joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise with JMSDF soon.

“It will begin with a HADR seminar onboard JS Izumo on Tuesday with the objective of sharing JSDF’s experience on disaster relief, healthcare, food replenishment, survival, search and rescue.

“This will bolster the RMN’s readiness when faced with such calamities.

“Also, we can greatly learn first-hand the finer points from the JMSDF on issues of common interest,” said Khairul, adding that last year four JMSDF vessels visited Kota Kinabalu and Kuantan.

He said the crew of the Japanese vessels would visit the National Hydrography Centre in Pulau Indah and the berthed RMN frigate KD Lekiu.

Tomorrow, Egawa will pay a courtesy call on RMN chief Admiral Datuk Mohd Reza Mohd Sany and Joint Force commander Major Gen Datuk Zulkapri Rahamat.

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