JMSDF Launches New Destroyer Haguro

This week in Yokohama saw the launch of Japan's newest Maya-Class Aegis destroyer DDG-180 Haguro which bears the same of it's IJN predacessor of the heavy cruiser that fought in WWII. The Haguro is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to recive her full commission in 2021 before heading out to join the fleet.

JMSDF Strength and Readiness

We recently came across this 2018 video produced by the Japanese Government that showcases the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (海上自衛隊 Kaijō Jieitai) capabilities. With 114 warships and 45,800 volunteer personnel, this small, yet effective Navy, is by far, the best in Asia and one of the best Navies in the world.While there is no subtitles in this video, none are needed to see the JMSDF in action. Pay special attention to their US-2 Flying Boat SAR crews. Enjoy!

New Book Release: CONTACT AT FIERY CROSS

In a direct challenge to the People’s Republic of China, the United States Navy has been sent to the South China Sea. They, along with their Japanese allies are there to conduct Freedom of Navigation operations in International Waters near the disputed Spratly Islands chain. But as escalating tensions mount, something extraordinary has taken place. Lurking high up in the clouds at 20,000 feet above sea level, an elusive object of unknown origin or intent has intruded upon contested airspace leaving little room for error. As the geopolitical balance of power inches closer toward armed conflict, it will be up to U.S. Naval Aviator, Lieutenant Commander Eileen Hunter, to push man and machine to avert a war and discover a forbidden truth.

In continuation of the intrigue in ROBOT PLANET, American Mishima author Louis Edward Rosas presents a new high-flying adventure that delves into the current geopolitical tensions taking place in the Far East. Contact at Fiery Cross will not only further question if we are alone in the universe, but if so, to what extent have they influenced our affairs.

This book is now available on Paperback and eBook editions. To order your copy, please click on the following link for: CONTACT AT FIERY CROSS. Thank you!

Welcome to the Fleet: Japan Commissions New Soryu-Class Submarine

This week, Japan's JMSDF welcomed the newest addition to its submarine fleet. The 84-meter long diesel powered JS Shōryū was commissioned this month. This is the tenth Soryu-Class Submarine and the 28th submarine built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries since WWII.

Return of the Japanese Aircraft Carrier?

In a move we have long predicted, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has announced their intention to study the possibility of upgrading their two existing Izumo Class Carriers to carry F-35B Stealth Fighters. This move which could be seen as a move away from the Post War agreement in Japan's constitution that forbids the possession of Aircraft Carriers was inevitable. This has been facilitated through the efforts of the Ruling LDP party which calls for the creation of multi-purpose motherships that could help in disaster situations as well as bolster Japan's defense. With growing threats from the PLA/N and North Korea, the government of Shinzo Abe has taken the initiative to call for a review to Post War restrictions imposed by the Allies at the end of WWII. The changing needs for Japan's defense must be met to bring balance to the ever-changing situation in the South China Seas, the Sea of Japan, and the growing threats of natural disasters created by Climate Change. The addition of fighter jets will likely draw the ire of Beijing, but in the face of their recent assertiveness, they had to have seen this coming. While there are currently no known calls for the construction of a new carrier with an angled deck, upgrading these existing 19,500-ton carriers makes the best sense. To counter the growing threats and the balance of maritime power in the region, we will continue to observe the JMSDF's evolution from a pure self-defense force to that of a modern multi-purpose Navy with great interest.

Calmer Seas: Japan and China to Resume Fleet Visits

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the People's Republic of China's Navy have announced they will be resuming fleet visits. They haven't done this since 2011, so this is a good thing. Japanese news sources say that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make the formal announcement with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang when they meet in Beijing this week. By no means does this resolve the crisis in the South China Seas or Chinese claims to the Senkaku Islands, but the unilateral thaw in tensions is a step in the right direction to de-escalate growing hostilities between the two competing maritime powers. We hope this will lead to further talks that result in better cooperation and peace on the high seas.

No Flag - No Show - No Problem

Earlier this month, Japan chose to withdraw it's multi-national participation in naval exercises hosted by South Korea The reason being that South Korea asked that nations fly their national flags and not naval standards. Stating the obvious, the ROK objects to the use of Japanese JMSDF vessels flying the Rising Sun flag which they see as a symbol of WWII Imperial Japan. Naturally, Japan's defense minister Takeshi Iwaya objected to this request. Japan has flown the Rising Sun ensign since the creation of the JMSDF in July 1954. JMSDF vessels have participated in ROK naval exercises before in 1998 and 2008 without this unreasonable request. Chief of Staff Katsutoshi Kawano said the rising sun flag is the Maritime Self-Defense Force sailors' "pride" and "we absolutely do not go if we have to remove the flag." The Rising Sun is a internationally recognized flag of Japanese Maritime forces. While the South Korean government regrets Japan's decision but pledges to continue to cooperate with each other in the future. As far as we can see it, South Korea can only guilt Japan for it's Colonial period only for so many generations. You can only apologize so much before it becomes a moot point. We believe Japan's JMSDF made the right decision and sailed their ships elsewhere with pride under the Rising Sun.

JMSDF Appoints 1st Female Fleet Commander

This week saw another important milestone for women in Japan's Martime Self-Defense Force with the appointment of Commander Ryoko Azuma as it's first female Fleet Commander. Cdr. Azuma (as seen in the above REUTERS/Nobuhiro Kubo photo) will now command a four vessel escort squadron that includes the Helecopter "Destroyer" carrier Izumo. She will have a total of 1000 personelle under her command which includes 30 women. This is a long way from how things were  when she joined the JMSDF in 1996. Back then, no women were allowed to serve on ships. This rule was abolished a decade ago with the sole prohibition preventing women from serving on submarines. Give them time I say! The 44 year old Commander is quoted in a public statement in Yokohama as saying: "I don't think about being a woman. I will concentrate my energy on fulfilling my duties as commander." We at American Mishima wish her great success. がんばって ください!

Inevitability Revealed: F-35 Prospects for Izumo Class Carriers

Ever since the inception of the Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer Carrier, the prospect of complimenting such carriers with fixed wing aircraft has been the subject of debate. Long held as an objection by Beijing, the growing tensions in both the South China Seas and on the Korean Penninsula have brought forth this long held notion that such a deployment of fighter aircraft aboard a JMSDF carrier would not only become an inevitability but a necessity. This of course challenges Japan's post war restrictions prohibiting offensive first strike aircraft on Japanese vessels. So far, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera says they are merely studying the concept and will make determinations based on Japan's ever changing defense needs. We are certain Japan has looked extensively at USMC F-35B fighter wings based on US Navy Assault ships. Currently, Japan has only two Izumo Class carriers; the Izumo and the Kaga which are both larger than their WWII predecessors thus making them capable of carrying such V/STOL 5th Generation fighters. As reassured by the Abe Government, this is only a study and not a promise to arm these JMSDF vessels. To be continued.

Tragedy at Sea: Seven American Sailors Killed in Collission Aboard USS Fitzgerald

As many of you may well know by now, the American Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer U.S.S. Fitzgerald (DDG-62) was involved in a major collision with the Philippine flagged container vessel ACX Crystal that resulted in the deaths of seven American sailors. The incident was reported to have taken place at 0230hrs in busy shipping lanes 60 miles from the Izu Peninsula. While no crew members of the larger ACX Crystal were reported injured, the damage to the smaller destroyer trapped sailors in their berthing compartments as they slept injuring scores of crew members including the ships captain Cmdr. Bryce Benson who was later airlifted by Japanese Maritime SDF helicopters back to Yokosuka. 

During the first 24 hours, the seven dead sailors were initially listed as missing which prompted a massive air sea search & rescue operation on the part of the JMSDF and Japanese Coast Guard. Sadly, the seven missing sailors were later discovered in the flooded berthing compartments. 

Dramatic photos reveal the severe damage to the hull, what's not seen is the damage below the water line. As one can see from the above photo of the ACX Crystal, it has what is called a "Bulbous Bow" below the waterline. The impact of which cannot be seen above the waterline is what caused the most damage to the destroyer. It is there where much of the flooding occurred. 

The following names listed below are of the seven American Sailors who lost their lives. We at American Mishima respectfully a raise them a slow hand salute in tribute to these seven souls who will join those countless American Sailors still on patrol. 

Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia

Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California

Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, Connecticut

Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, California

Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, Maryland

Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio

Putting Out to Sea

Seen here are Japan's two JMSDF Izumo Class Helicopter Carriers Izumo & Kaga at port. Earlier this month, the Izumo put out to sea to participate in extended exercises in the Indian Ocean and the contentious South China Seas. As expected, Beijing objected as they do any time one of these 249 meter long warships leave port. Given the recent construction of aircraft hangers and radar installations on the artificial islands under their control, such moves on the part of Japan's maritime force should be expected. These modern carriers are as large as the aircraft carriers Japan used in WWII. But make no mistake, there are no catapults or angled deck for fixed winged aircraft. Thus their role is largely confined to helicopter Anti-Submarine and relief missions. Their current three month mission is in participation with American Naval forces.

Playing With Fire? Beijing Talks Tokyo

In what seems to be the latest round in the never ending South China Seas disputes, Chinese Military Spokesman Yang Yujin made some pretty bold threats to Tokyo this week. Apparently, the PRC objects to the recently announced plans on the part of the Japanese Defense Ministry to conduct Joint Patrols with the U.S. Navy in the disputed South China Seas. Yujin alleged that Tokyo was "Playing with fire" and that his military was not going to sit by and watch idly. To what purpose do such threats serve? The International Community has already ruled against the PRC in The Hague. Not only does China's artificial island building in international waters which they now claim based on some 500 year old map has little legitimacy, it's bad for business. Let's face it, the economic boom and rising wealth among Chinese under 30 would have never occurred under the Communist Rule of Chairman Mao Tse-tung. This is only because China has embraced limited Capitalism which has made many Chinese very wealthy. To date, China now has more millionaires and billionaires than any other country combined meaning they rely on business and business happens when you use trade. That's why none of this makes any sense. Militarizing International Waters threatens commerce and trade for the entire region upsetting the delicate balance of trade between nations. It's clear that someone in Beijing feels that to take it all for themselves at the expense of others offers China some short term economic advantage but ultimately this just sets China up for more problems than they solve. It's unfortunate that their leaders have embarked on this path. I suppose the grand irony is that while the Communists love to bash Japan for it's past  military aggression of 80 years ago, it engages on some of its own. We have long said we hope such saber rattling will cease with cooler heads prevailing but the ante has been raised and some people as we have read want a confrontation that will serve no one. Until either the PRC backs down from this course of action or adheres to the international court ruling, Japan will exert its right to protect its sovereign islands and participate in internationally conducted patrols with its most important ally the United States. As we say in America, Bullshit Talks and Bullshit Walks. Let's hope nobody gets killed over this. Peace out!

Taking Command: JMSDF's Captain Miho Otani

With so much sabre rattling going on in the South China Seas, we're happy to continue the follow the remarkable career of Japan's newest Captain of the Asagiri Class Destroyer JS Yamagiri (DD-152) Captain Miho Otani. As previously blogged here and elsewhere, Captain Otani is the first female Captain of a destroyer in the JMSDF. She commands a crew of 220 people including ten women sailors. She's come a long away since her days as a university student watching the Gulf War on TV wondering how she could make a difference. She is the mother of a twelve year old daughter and wife to another JMSDF destroyer Captain. 

Captain Otani is described as being both friendly and fair to her crew particularly to the concerns for her crew's families. Make no mistake, she sails into some troubled waters in the South China Seas and we believe she is more than up to the task. Hence, we at American Mishima wish Captain Otani continued success and to continue to make a difference out there. がんばって ください!

Kumamoto Disaster Relief: JMSDF Hyuga in Action

On April 19th following the Kumamoto Quakes, Japan's JMSDF deployed it's "Helicopter Destroyer" Hyuga (DDH-181) to assist in disaster relief operations. The following photos show a USMC V-22 tilt-rotor Osprey landing on the Hyuga's deck to deliver additional supplies. 

USMC V-22 on approach.

 "Call your ball!"

Seen here: Hyuga's crew offloads relief from the USMC V-22 on Hyuga's deck. Other JMSDF ships including the much larger "Helicopter Destroyer" Izumo (DD-183) are being deployed along with U.S. Navy ships to help in relief efforts. We at American Mishima support these efforts to help the people of Kumamoto. Ganbatte Kudasai!

JMSDF Makes Port Of Call at Subic Bay

As tensions continues to grow over territorial disputes in the South China Seas, three JMSDF vessels including the diesel-electric attack Oyashio Class Submarine Oyashio (SS-590), and destroyers JDS Arike (DD-109) & JDS Setogiri (DD-156) make their first Port of Call to the Philippines in over 15 years. This visit to the former U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay is just 200 KM from a Chinese held shoal they claim is their sovereign territory which they have been militarizing with artificial islands whose boundaries overlap territorial waters of several nations. It should be noted that one third of the world's oil is transported through the sea lanes in the South China Seas and for the PRC to claim nearly the entire sea as their own has created some serious problems for the region. Ten years ago, the Chinese Navy was just another regional power. Now out of nowhere, they are claiming nearly an entire sea as their own sovereign territory (which they are threatening to fight over) right in the middle of international sea lanes which presents a big problem for global commerce. As it stands, the Philippines do not have the military resources to argue with the Chinese Navy on the high seas. Japan has agreed to help upgrade the Philippines with upgraded military hardware but ultimately it will be up to the JMSDF and the United States Navy to keep the peace. Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, & Brunei also have found themselves in Beijing's cross hairs in this South China Seas dispute with China drawing ire from all around. We all know this is bad for business and the Chinese economy thrives on business as does it's neighbors. As we have stated before, we hope that cooler heads and peace prevails. But of course, we know this is not the end this ongoing saga so we shall say for now: To be Continued.....

JMSDF Appoints First Female Officer to Command a Destroyer

We at American Mishima would like to share with you some news we got from the Naval Forces News of Japan. The JMSDF appointed Commander Miho Otani to command the Asagiri-Class Destroyer Yamagiri(DD-152). The 44 year old Osaka native & Etajima Naval Academy Graduate becomes the first female officer to command a ship in the JMSDF. We wish Commander Otani Great Success and a personal がんばって ください!

Getting Real on Yonaguni Island

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced the opening of a new radar facility on Yonaguni Island. Never heard of it before? If you love underwater archeology (Or Ancient Astronaut Theory), chances are you have heard of the famous Yonaguni Monument. But getting back to our post, this move on the part of Japan's SDF is a significant one. The Defense Ministry has further announced that it has now stationed 160 troops to maintain this new radar facility on Yonaguni Island (part of Okinawa Prefecture) 60 miles from Taiwan giving Japan a back window into what the PRC is up to in the South China Seas. Naturally, there have been some fierce protests from Beijing that include calls for boycotts of Japanese products. All talk is fine but with the artificial island building (for the purpose of Militarizing the South China Sea) on the part of the PRC in international waters and claims of Chinese Sovereignty far beyond the shores of the Chinese mainland has forced Japan to step up it's game. By establishing this base, Japan will have an early warning should trouble break out with the Chinese Navy. We of course it doesn't come to that. As our Chinese friends would say "it's bad for business." Trust me, war is very bad business and nobody wants that. Let's continue to pray that cooler heads will prevail. 

Japan SDF Ready to Shoot Down North Korean Missile

As North Korea prepares to launch another test of its ballistic missiles, Japan's Self Defense Forces have been placed on high alert with orders to shoot down any missile that violates Japan's Air Space. This comes a month after Pyongyang announced it had developed a hydrogen bomb to threaten the world with bringing an already tense region to an all time high state of instability. With tensions at an all time high, Japan's Defense Ministry is taking no chances.

It's likely that should such action become necessary, Japan's Maritime SDF may fire on such a missile from one of it's AEGIS Class Warships (as seen in the above Raytheon photo) or from a land based SDF Patriot Missile battery. We sure hope it doesn't come to that but with an erratic  leader like Kim, anything is possible. May cooler heads prevail.

Upping the Ante: China to build 1st Domesticly Constructed Aircraft Carrier?

As 2015 readies to enter the history books, 2016 looks ahead to more tension in the South China Seas as rumors circulate on the internet of the PRC building it's first domestically produced aircraft carrier. Word has it the Chinese Navy is looking to construct four of these large carriers in addition to the recently deployed former Soviet Navy carrier now renamed Liaoning into service. While many are calling this latest development a potential nightmare for the U.S. Navy, rest assured that while the Chinese have money they do not have the experience or technical know how to build a carrier that could rival our new Ford Class carriers. This none the less will present a challenge to the the U.S. Navy and Japan's JMSDF who at present have two Izumo Class carriers (Izumo & Kaga) but lack the capability to launch fixed wing aircraft due to the restrictions of Article 9 of Japan's American imposed post war constitution. This is exactly what the Abe government needs to emphasize to the the people of Japan that their country and national interests are for the first time since WWII under serious threat from across the sea. In our opinion, the defeatist attitudes of Anti-Abe / Anti-War Pacifists currently protesting the slow re-arming of Japan's small yet capable "Self Defense Forces" are not in tune with the alarming developments on the part of the Chinese Navy. Beijing is counting on the Anti-Abe protesters to instill fears of a certain catastrophic defeat like the one Japan endured at the end of August 1945 should any confrontation with China's Navy happen. This of course is Baka! They do this because while they may not fear today's small  JMSDF, they do fear the idea of Japan's small military becoming powerful enough to resurrect the fears of Japan's aggressive past that saw a brutal occupation of Mainland China. But that was then and this is now.

While China's new rumored carriers are years away from completion, they still have one capable carrier that has already put out to sea. Neither the Governments of the Philippines or Vietnam have the muscle (or in Vietnam's case the political will) to meet these challenges poised by Beijing. So like it or not, it is up to the United States Navy and Japan's JMSDF to keep the peace and freedom of movement in the air and on the high seas of the international waters of the South China Seas.While this problem will most certainly get out of hand, we at American Mishima will pray for peace and hopes that Japan continues to upgrade it's SDF so that cooler heads will prevail.

Turning the Tables in the East China Seas

Over the last two years we have seen the PRC's Navy build artificial islands in the East China Seas in what could be best surmised as a militarization of international waters on the part of a naval expansion of China's Navy and Beijing's military power in the Pacific In an unexpected move, Japan's small yet capable Self Defense Forces have pulled a brilliant tactical ploy by adopting a strategy of deploying 200 + anti-ship missile batteries along Japan's small island chains. This strategy is being called "Anti-Access / Area Denial or A2/AD for short which forces China's Navy seeking to access their new man made militarized islands to pass through the cross hairs of Japan's missile batteries. This strategy also puts Beijing in the same missile cross hairs putting a monkey wrench in any plans to access the greater Pacific Ocean literally turning the tables on Beijing's Island building scheme to claim such artificial islands smack in the middle of international waters as their own sovereign territory. Two can play it that way ね? 

Japan Times reporting on this turn of events have stated that Japan intents to beef up it's forces by 10,000 personnel manning these batteries over the next five years. They will be backed up with submarines, amphibious craft, and F-35 fighter planes. Then of course there is the U.S. 7th Fleet. While there continues to be opposition the PM Abe's military buildup, US demands of Japan taking a greater role in regional security and the on going situation with Chinese military expansion in the East China Seas make it necessary for Japan to expand it's military capabilities. While we at American Mishima are not in favor of war, we do believe Japan has the right to defend itself and should have the legal right to aid it's allies in the event of trouble. On a strategic level, PM Abe is taking Japan's SDF on the right course. We wish everyone serving in the SDF and our USN 7th Fleet safe sailing. We're counting on you!