Konnichiwa and Kia Ora
Kiwis in Wellington welcomed the Japanese warships for the first time since 1973.
Some 500 JMSDF members aboard the 19,000-ton Hyuga-class “helicopter carrying destroyer” JS Ise (DDH-182), flying the flag of RADM Natsui Takashi (Com JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four), and escorted by the Takanami-class destroyer JS Suzunami (DD-114), arrived in the New Zealand port this week for a three-day visit that will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
They were escorted in by the 9,000-ton sealift vessel HMNZS Canterbury (L421).
Two Japanese ships were escorted into Wellington harbour by HMNZS Canterbury this morning. The ship’s company will be conducting a short visit, including a ceremony at Pukeahu tomorrow morning.
The last Japanese Navy vessel to visit Wellington was the cadet training ship JS Kashima in 1996.
The last Japanese warship to visit Wellington was the destroyer JS Kikuzuki in 1973.
Meanwhile in the Philippine Sea…
This great four flattop allied photoex with the Nimitz-class supercarrier USS George Washington, the F-35B-capable 27,000-ton Izumo class “destroyer” JS Kaga (DDH-184), the F-35B-capable USS America (LHA-6), and HMS Prince of Wales (R09).
The PoW is visiting Japan this week as part of its Operation High Mast deployment to the Indo-Pacific in company with NATO frigate escorts from Norway and Spain.
Also, you can note two periscopes in the column.
