In Japan, the country’s Maritime Self-Defense Force is stretching its legs.
The 4,000-ton training frigate JS Kashima (TV-3508), accompanied by the 6,000-ton Hatakaze-class guided missile destroyer JS Shimakaze (DDG-172/TV-3521), departed for an overseas training cruise.
What makes this interesting, besides the fact that both units will travel together and conduct a rare circumnavigation of the globe, is that it also marks the first time in 50 years that they will pass by the Cape of Good Hope off the coast of Africa.
You can expect the pair to conduct lots of exercises with allies, such as this underway replenishment with the USNS Pecos (T-AO-197).
In terms of growth, the JMSD just celebrated the commissioning ceremony for the newest Mogami-class frigate at Nagasaki Shipyard, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., which saw JS Yahagi (FFM-5) join the fleet. The 5th Mogami will be deployed to Maizuru Naval Base, Kyoto, as part of Escort Division 14.
The very advanced CODAG-powered 5,000-ton “stealth” frigate includes a 5-inch gun, 16 cell VLS, eight anti-ship missiles, minelaying (and MCM) equipment, ASW torpedoes, a SeaRAM CIWS, and a hangar for an embarked SH-60 series helicopter–all with just a 90 man crew.
Top speed, “over 30 knots” is rumored to be closer to 40 in a sprint.
If only the LCS could have been something more like the Mogamis.
China’s PLAN looking bigger, better, and more professional than ever