Two Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ships, “Inazuma – 105” and “Umigiri – 158”, arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill and logistic visit on 01st April 2014. The ships are en route for counter piracy operation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. They were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on arrival.

Commander, Escort Division Eight Captain Koji Tachikawa and ships’ Commanding Officers paid a courtesy call on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo. They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a gesture of goodwill.

“Inazuma – 105” is a destroyer commanded by Commander Shunichiro Kachi. It is 151 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,550 tons. The ship’s complement consists of 170 naval personnel. “Umigiri – 158” is a destroyer commanded by Commander Matuda Mituteru. It is 137 meters in length and has a displacement of 3,550 tons. The ship’s complement consists of 190 naval personnel.

The ships will remain in Sri Lanka till 02nd of April and their crews are scheduled to take part in a series of special programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the friendship and the goodwill between the two Navies.

Courtesy : Navy Media