Japanese ship on a goodwill visit

Visakhapatnam: Asagiri-Class destroyer, JS Setogiri (DDG-156) of Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) arrived here on Friday on a three-day goodwill visit to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). The ship is on return passage after a six-month deployment in the Gulf of Aden and was accorded a warm reception by the officials of the Eastern Fleet with the Indian Naval Band in attendance.

The visit will encompass interaction between the personnel of both the navies in various professional, cultural, social and sports events, including visits to the historic Buddhist heritage sites. Commander Escort Division Seven and Commander Takeshi Tonegawa Captain Susumu Moriyama, Commanding Officer JS Setogiri called-on Chief of Staff at Headquarters, ENC Vice-Admiral MS Pawar.

The ship will also carry out Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Eastern Fleet ships which include naval manoeuvres, weapon firing, ASW exercises in the Bay of Bengal on departure from Visakhapatnam on May 13. The two navies share a long-standing relationship with regular professional interactions that include exchange programmes, staff talks and training courses.