Two Japanese naval ships arrive at Port of Colombo

Two Japanese naval ships, Inazuma DD - 105 and Sazanami DD – 113, which belong to the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), arrived at the Port of Colombo for logistics support on 23 July 2011 with Commander Escort Division Captain Terutsugu Hirano and four onboard.

They were ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy on arrival in accordance with naval traditions.

The ships are en route to the Gulf of Aden to participate in counter piracy operations.

The ships’ complements are scheduled to participate in a series of programmes arranged by SLN to enhance the friendly relations between the two navies during their stay in Sri Lanka.

Inazuma DD – 105 is a Murasame-class destroyer with a displacement of 4550 tonnes. It is 151 metres in length and carries a complement of 190 naval personnel, commanded by Commander Masayuki Yamaguchi

Sazanami DD - 113 is a Takanami-class destroyer with a displacement of 4650 tonnes. It is 151 metres in length and carries a complement 190 naval personnel, commanded by Commander Shazo Nakamura.