KAJI Middle East Dispatched Forces Replacing members without adjustment, only patrol aircraft to change

The JMSDF Middle East Dispatched Forces Coordinating the replacement of the members and not changing only the patrol aircraft to the replacement April 21 13:05

As for the Maritime Self-Defense Force's patrol aircraft units dispatched to the Middle East region, the Ministry of Defense has not adjusted the dispatch of replacement personnel to the site due to the immigration restrictions imposed by the new coronavirus. It has been decided to take measures to make it happen.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's P3C patrol aircraft unit is based in Djibouti, eastern Africa, taking measures for piracy in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia for about three months. I will.

On the other hand, due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the Djibouti government has severely restricted entry from overseas, so there is no adjustment at this time regarding the dispatch of replacement personnel to the field.

However, since the patrol aircraft dispatched to the field need to be regularly maintained in Japan in early next month due to safety regulations, the Ministry of Defense must take measures to replace only the aircraft first. became.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the replacement aircraft will depart from Hachinohe Air Base in Aomori Prefecture on the 24th of this month, and the pilots have special temporary entry permits.

The members dispatched now will continue to operate locally for the time being, but the Ministry of Defense will continue to coordinate the dispatch of substitute personnel with the Djibouti government in consideration of the impact of the prolonged dispatch on the physical and mental characteristics of the members. I am.

The anti-piracy unit is also involved in the task of collecting information necessary for ensuring the safety of vessels related to Japan.

Defense Minister Kono "Proceeds with dispatching replacement members

At the press conference, Defense Minister Kono said, "The Djibouti government is also worried about the fact that the number of infected people is increasing quite rapidly. The maintenance deadline for patrol aircraft is approaching, so replace the aircraft first. I want to do it. "

In addition, Minister Kono said, "Although I received a report that there is no particular impact on operations," it is not possible to continue dispatching members indefinitely, so we will also adjust the dispatch of replacement members with the Djibouti government. I want to proceed. "