Kaijyo patrol aircraft unit dispatched to the Middle East to replace only the aircraft No personnel could be replaced April 24 14:29
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's patrol aircraft unit, which is taking measures against piracy in the Middle East region, cannot replace personnel due to the influence of the new coronavirus, so only the aircraft will be replaced, and the patrol from Hachinohe Air Base in Aomori Prefecture on the 24th. Two aircraft departed for the field.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's P3C patrol aircraft unit is based in Djibouti, eastern Africa, and is taking measures against piracy. Therefore, we are also collecting the information necessary to ensure the safety of vessels related to Japan.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the activity was changed for about 3 months, and the time for the change of the troops dispatched this January was reached, but due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the Djibouti government severely restricted entry from abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to coordinate the dispatch of replacement personnel.
On the other hand, as for the patrol aircraft, it is necessary to perform regular maintenance in Japan, so only the aircraft will be replaced, and two patrol aircraft depart from the Hachinohe Air Base for the site around 10 am on the 24th. Did.
After arriving in Djibouti, the pilots of the patrol aircraft, which departed on the 24th, have obtained a special temporary entry / exit permit, and plan to change to a local aircraft and return home on the 29th of this month. The worldwide spread of the new coronavirus is affecting the activities of the SDF overseas.