Japanese training vessels visit CFB Esquimalt

Japan Ship Kashima is a training ship and flagship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

Peter Mallett
Staff Writer

The spirit of goodwill and international cooperation between allies prevailed when two training vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) visited Esquimalt last week.

Commodore (Cmdre) Patrick Montgomery, Commander of Canada’s Naval Reserve, said the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was grateful for the opportunity to host the training squadron while noting the importance of past port visits between the two nations.

“It is a true sign of partnership as we continue to work together to help create a peaceful maritime system that benefits all of us across the world,” he said.

The Canadian and Japanese sailors participate in a wreath-laying ceremony involving Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, on June 16, to commemorate military members of past conflicts who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Photo: Sailor First Class Kian Kamyabipour

The JMSDF was making a four-day port visit to the base as part of an overseas training mission. Japanese Ships (JS) Kashima and JS Hatakaze with approximately 550 sailors pulled alongside in His Majesty’s Dockyard on the morning of June 15 and participated in a Welcome Ceremony by Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). The JMSDF overseas training cruise involves 11 ports of call in eight different countries.

Rear-Admiral Yasushige Konno, Commander of the Japanese Training Squadron, says the purpose of their mission is to teach newly commissioned officers the basics of surface operation, seamanship and the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

HMCS Regina was the official host vessel for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and some of their activities included a dinner at the Chief and Petty Officer’s Mess and softball and volleyball competitions between the ships at the Colville Road Sports Fields.

His Excellency Kanji Yamanouchi, Ambassador of Japan, spoke of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, the ‘building of bridges’, exchanges between scholars and artists and economic partnerships in his remarks.

“But also very important is an official visit by our naval officers to Canada,” said Yamanouchi. “This says a lot and is a true testament of our friendship.”

The cultural exchange between the two nations continued throughout the visit. The first stop on the training squadron’s eight-nation international sail was in Dutch Harbor, Alaska on June 6. Their cruise wraps up in October 2023.

Children from the Japanese-Canadian community present flowers to Rear-Admiral Yasushige Konno, Commander Japan Training Squadron (Left), Captain (Navy) Miho Otani, Commanding Officer Japan Ship Kashima (Center), Commodore Ikezaki Hiroyuki, Commanding Officer Japanese Ship Hatakaze (Right) as they visit CFB Esquimalt during Japan’s 2023 overseas training cruise. Photo: Aviator Conor Munn, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician