Japanese MSDF Anti-Piracy Operations in Gulf of Aden: Over 32,000 Served
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports on Japan’s naval mission protecting merchant ships from Somali pirates:
Of the more than 32,600 sailors who benefited from Japan’s Self-Defense Force’s “anti-piracy operations” in the Gulf of Aden during the past 18 months, at least 10,607 were Filipinos, according to the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City.
In a report, the embassy said “Filipino seafarers are by far the biggest beneficiaries of this ship escort operations in terms of crew members’ nationalities.”
The mission also disclosed that 10 Philippine-flagged ships were among 1,394 vessels that benefited from the same operations.
It said that “following the passage of Japan’s Law on Punishment and Measures against Acts of Piracy on July 24, 2009, its Self-Defense Force started vessel-escorting operations in the Gulf of Aden not only for Japanese vessels but also for all foreign vessels.”
“The legislation enables units of Japan’s Self-Defense Force (including P-3C patrol aircraft) to protect vessels from acts of piracy, complimenting other efforts made globally to ensure safe passage for ships off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden,” the embassy also said.
Those who can understand Japanese might also want to check out this promotional video created by the MSDF:
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