GSDF 2nd contingent to Iraq disbands

GSDF 2nd contingent to Iraq disbands

SAPPORO, Japan - Col. Yuki Imaura, leader of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's second contingent to Iraq, reports to Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba and returns the unit's flag on Sept. 12. A ceremony was held at the GSDF base in Sapporo to formally disband the 540-member contingent, which recently returned to Japan after completing a three-month aid mission in Samawah, southern Iraq.

GSDF holds flag presentation ceremony for Iraq-bound troops

GSDF holds flag presentation ceremony for Iraq-bound troops

SAPPORO, Japan - Defense Agency Deputy Director General Yasukazu Hamada (L) hands a flag to Col. Yuki Imaura during a Ground Self-Defense Force flag presentation ceremony May 8 for the Sapporo-based 11th Division to be deployed to Iraq as the first rotation troops since the first GSDF team arrived in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah in mid-January.

GSDF 2nd contingent to Iraq disbands

GSDF 2nd contingent to Iraq disbands

SAPPORO, Japan - Col. Yuki Imaura, leader of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's second contingent to Iraq, reports to Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba and returns the unit's flag on Sept. 12. A ceremony was held at the GSDF base in Sapporo to formally disband the 540-member contingent, which recently returned to Japan after completing a three-month aid mission in Samawah, southern Iraq. (Kyodo)

GSDF holds flag presentation ceremony for Iraq-bound troops

GSDF holds flag presentation ceremony for Iraq-bound troops

SAPPORO, Japan - Defense Agency Deputy Director General Yasukazu Hamada (L) hands a flag to Col. Yuki Imaura during a Ground Self-Defense Force flag presentation ceremony May 8 for the Sapporo-based 11th Division to be deployed to Iraq as the first rotation troops since the first GSDF team arrived in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah in mid-January. (Kyodo)