Japanese sailors greeted with Diamonds, Goals and Cheers

JS Harusame alongside at the Burrard Dry Dock in Vancouver, B.C., during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron’s port visit from Sept. 16 to 20.

JS Harusame alongside at the Burrard Dry Dock in Vancouver, B.C., during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron’s port visit from Sept. 16 to 20.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Junior officers from two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) warships visiting Vancouver made the trek to CFB Esquimalt last Monday to showcase their passing, dribbling, crossing and shooting skills in friendly soccer and baseball games against their Canadian counterparts.

More than half the ships’ crew from JS Kashima and JS Harusame strapped on their cleats, shin guards and gloves and took to the Colville Road sports field and ball diamonds for some non-competitive games against junior officers attending Venture, The Naval Officer Training Centre.

To ensure the “friendly” part of the matches, there was no official scorekeeping.

“The non-competitive games were all about the fun factor and served as a good ice-breaker for sailors from the two countries,” said Lt(N) Eric Dignard, who works as a training officer at NOTC and helped organize the event with Personnel Support Programs staff. “Sports is an international language and this event helped break down the communication barrier between the two groups of sailors. It was an encouraging sign to see them exchanging contact information and making new friends after the games concluded.”

At the conclusion of the sports program, spectators and participants posed for a group photograph on the baseball diamond.

The day-long event also included a tour of Venture’s simulators where Royal Canadian Navy junior officers learn ship navigation and basic warfare. Japanese sailors were given the opportunity to try the system and attempt to maneuver a virtual ship alongside. Venture staff also briefed the Japanese sailors on the daily life of an officer trainee, the equipment, and facilities used to assist during their training.

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