2 Japanese destroyers sent on antipiracy operations off Somalia

2 Japanese destroyers sent on antipiracy operations off Somalia

TOKYO, Japan - The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Harusame sails off Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, on July 6 after departing from its base there. The 4,550-ton Harusame, along with the 3,500-ton destroyer Amagiri which left its base in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, will take part in antipiracy operations off Somalia.

MSDF destroyer, refueling ships leave port to assist U.S.

MSDF destroyer, refueling ships leave port to assist U.S.

YOKOSUKA, Japan - People see off the 8,150-ton refueling ship Tokiwa at Yokosuka base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) on Nov. 25 as the vessel and the 4,550-ton destroyer Harusame leave for the Indian Ocean. The two ships will relieve two other MSDF ships there to extend logistical support for the U.S.-led military campaign in and around Afghanistan.

Russian fleet commander visits Yokosuka base

Russian fleet commander visits Yokosuka base

Adm. Mikhail Zakharenko, the commander of Russia's Pacific Fleet (C in uniform), inspects the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) escort ship Harusame berthed at the Yokosuka base, south of Tokyo, on April 13. Zakharenko is in Japan to promote bilateral military exchanges.

MSDF destroyer, refueling ships leave port to assist U.S.

MSDF destroyer, refueling ships leave port to assist U.S.

YOKOSUKA, Japan - People see off the 8,150-ton refueling ship Tokiwa at Yokosuka base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) on Nov. 25 as the vessel and the 4,550-ton destroyer Harusame leave for the Indian Ocean. The two ships will relieve two other MSDF ships there to extend logistical support for the U.S.-led military campaign in and around Afghanistan. (Kyodo)

SDF ships moored at Djibouti port on antipiracy mission

SDF ships moored at Djibouti port on antipiracy mission

The Japan Self-Defense Forces' destroyers Harusame (L) and Amagiri are anchored on Jan. 19, 2015, at the Port of Djibouti, eastern Africa, during a break in an antipiracy mission in waters off Somalia. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

SDF member in Djibouti guards against potential pirates

SDF member in Djibouti guards against potential pirates

A member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces stands guard on Jan. 19, 2015, with a machine gun on the deck of SDF destroyer Harusame anchored at the Port of Djibouti, eastern Africa, during a break in an antipiracy mission in waters off Somalia. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

2 Japanese destroyers sent on antipiracy operations off Somalia

2 Japanese destroyers sent on antipiracy operations off Somalia

TOKYO, Japan - The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Harusame sails off Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, on July 6 after departing from its base there. The 4,550-ton Harusame, along with the 3,500-ton destroyer Amagiri which left its base in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, will take part in antipiracy operations off Somalia. (Kyodo)

Russian fleet commander visits Yokosuka base

Russian fleet commander visits Yokosuka base

Adm. Mikhail Zakharenko, the commander of Russia's Pacific Fleet (C in uniform), inspects the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) escort ship Harusame berthed at the Yokosuka base, south of Tokyo, on April 13. Zakharenko is in Japan to promote bilateral military exchanges. ==Kyodo