JMSDF “KIRISAME” arrived in Tonga
2022/8/29




On 20 August 2022, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) KIRISAME arrived in Tonga from Fiji under Indo-Pacific Deployment 2022 (IPD22), touring the Pacific region from July to October 2022. IPD22 is to realize “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” through contributing to the peace and stability of the region and enhancing mutual understanding and relationship with partner countries.
JMSDF was honored to welcome His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala to the boarding tour in KIRISAME. HRH the Crown Prince received the JMSDF’s Salute of a Guard of Honor. In addressing the occasion, HRH the Crown Prince delivered a speech stating that “You being here, like for the HTHH crisis, signals our collective security, that we are working together to protect people and our shared oceans. It brings peace from the experience that Tonga has friends willing to help, and together we can reach that help out to the furthest islands” At the end of the tour, CDR. SAKATA Atsushi, Commander of KIRISAME presented special gifts to HRH the Crown Prince in honor of His presence.
The Boarding Tour was also held for the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, cabinet ministers, parliament members, and government executives including new Police Commissioner, Mr. Shane McClennan. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for the ongoing commitment and also organizing this valuable opportunity of KIRISAME visit.
“Tonga and Japan are both maritime nations. Tonga is a very close partner to Japan which shares the common value of the rules of law and rules based free and open maritime access.” “KIRISAME’s visit shows Japanese will to make stronger reliance with Tonga by helping local people to feel our existence visibly and symbolically”, CDR. SAKATA said.
H.E Mr. MUNENAGA Kensaku, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga mentioned in his speech that “I am truly grateful to be able to witness this historical visit in the presence of His Royal Highness aboard KIRISAME.” KIRISAME is the second visit of JMSDF to Tonga following JMSDF OHSUMI delivering the emergency relief supplies in the event of the volcanic eruption and tsunami in January 2022.
Before the boarding tour, CDR. SAKATA paid a courtesy call on CDR. Holokaukau Lakai, Commander of Tonga Navy at Masefield Naval Base.
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JMSDF was honored to welcome His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala to the boarding tour in KIRISAME. HRH the Crown Prince received the JMSDF’s Salute of a Guard of Honor. In addressing the occasion, HRH the Crown Prince delivered a speech stating that “You being here, like for the HTHH crisis, signals our collective security, that we are working together to protect people and our shared oceans. It brings peace from the experience that Tonga has friends willing to help, and together we can reach that help out to the furthest islands” At the end of the tour, CDR. SAKATA Atsushi, Commander of KIRISAME presented special gifts to HRH the Crown Prince in honor of His presence.
The Boarding Tour was also held for the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, cabinet ministers, parliament members, and government executives including new Police Commissioner, Mr. Shane McClennan. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for the ongoing commitment and also organizing this valuable opportunity of KIRISAME visit.
“Tonga and Japan are both maritime nations. Tonga is a very close partner to Japan which shares the common value of the rules of law and rules based free and open maritime access.” “KIRISAME’s visit shows Japanese will to make stronger reliance with Tonga by helping local people to feel our existence visibly and symbolically”, CDR. SAKATA said.
H.E Mr. MUNENAGA Kensaku, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga mentioned in his speech that “I am truly grateful to be able to witness this historical visit in the presence of His Royal Highness aboard KIRISAME.” KIRISAME is the second visit of JMSDF to Tonga following JMSDF OHSUMI delivering the emergency relief supplies in the event of the volcanic eruption and tsunami in January 2022.
Before the boarding tour, CDR. SAKATA paid a courtesy call on CDR. Holokaukau Lakai, Commander of Tonga Navy at Masefield Naval Base.
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