Air, sea Japanese self-defense force vessels in Palau for the first time

Japanese air and sea vessels had visited Palau for the first time as part of the celebration of its 25 years of diplomatic relationship with Palau.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)ships JS Kashima and JS Inazuma arrived in the country on October 8, after embarking on an international cruise that began on May 21 this year.

A ceremony attended by Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch and other local government officials was conducted on board the JS Kashima during its arrival.

The two JMSDF sea vessels brought with it 190 newly commissioned Japanese officers that just graduated from the Maritime Officer Candidate School and over 500 officers and crew members.

A U4 transportation aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) also arrived the next day, October 9, at the Palau International Airport straight from the Iruma Air base in Tokyo.

Col. Ozawa Kayuzuki said in an interview that the purpose of this visit is to promote the relationship of Palau and Japan and to further deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.