We Are Tomodachi Spring / Summer 2017

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19Europe–Asia routeSomaliaGulf of AdenSomaliaDjiboutiEscort course(900–1,100 km [490–590 NM])Units deployed by Japan for counter-piracy operationsMaritime force (1 destroyer):approximately 200 personnel with 8 Japan Coast Guard ofcers aboardAir force (2 P-3Cs): approximately 60 personnelSupport unit:approximately 110 personnel in Djibouti■■■Naval vesselsEscortZone defensePatrol aircraftInternational deploymentsCTF151CTF151National taskingWarning and surveillance (P-3C)Conducting warning and surveillance operations and information collection and provisionZone defenseIndependent national tasking(Japan, China,India, ROK,etc.)CTF-151EUNAVFORCTF-151EUNAVFORNote: Japan’s deployed maritime force currently consists of one destroyer. The unit engages mainly in escort activities; when not so engaged, it conducts zone defense.Conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities in the area allocated by CTF-151.EscortEscorting merchant vessels from various countries.25020015010050020082009201020112012201320142015201611121821923775151102No. of piracy incidentsNo. of ship hijackings1. The Gulf of Aden is a narrow body of water at the northwest end of the Indian Ocean, forming part of the maritime route to and from Europe via the Suez Canal. It has had one of the world’s highest levels of piracy; in 2009, over half of the world’s piracy incidents, 218 in all, occurred here. 2. Number of piracy incidents and ship hijackings off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. (Source: International Chamber of Commerce, International Maritime Bureau.) 3. An exchange of gifts with Rear Admiral Giovanbattista Raimondi of the Italian Navy, which is participating in the European Union Naval Force. Japan continues to contribute to international activities in this field. 4. An overview of Japan’s operations.1234Atsushi MinamiCommanded the 25th Deployment Surface Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. For a period of 134 days starting in August 2016, this JSDF force conducted 30 escort missions guarding a total of 43 ships, of which 40 were not Japan-related.