Japan defense force flotilla to arrive in Subic for 3-day visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29, 2019): Japan defense force flotilla to arrive in Subic for 3-day visit

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Escort Flotilla One will dock off at the Alava Wharf at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit from Monday to Wednesday.

The flotilla, consisting of the JS Izumo (DDH-183), JS Murusame (DD-101), and JS Akebono (DD-108), will arrive at about 10 a.m. Sunday, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Capt. Jonathan Zata, said in a statement Friday.

"Welcome and arrival ceremonies and press conference will be conducted upon arrival of the JMSDF vessels," Zata added.

This is the third visit of JMSDF units in the Philippines for this year.

The JS Izumo is classified by the JMSDF as a "helicopter destroyer" and was launched on August 6, 2012 and commissioned on March 25, 2015. It weighs about 198,500 long tons, has a length of 248 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a draft of 7.5 meters.

The JS Izumo has a speed of more than 30 knots and is capable of carrying seven to 28 aircraft.

Meanwhile, the JS Murasame is the lead vessel of the Murasame-class destroyers of the JMSDF. It was laid down on Aug. 18, 1993, launched on August 23 the following year.

The JS Murusame was commissioned into service on March 12, 1996 and was assigned to the JMSDF Escort Flotilla One based in Yokosuka. It weighs 4,550 long tons, has a length of 151 meters, beam of 17.4 meters, a draft of 5.2 meters, and a speed of 30 knots.

The JS Murusame also carries one SH-60J(K) anti-submarine helicopter.

The JS Akebono, on the other hand, is another Murusame-class destroyer. It was launched on Sept. 25, 2000 and commissioned on March 19, 2002.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073637