By KUNA
Tokyo : Japanese naval ship Murasame left Yokosuka port, south of Tokyo, on Thursday headed for the Indian Ocean, where it will resume Japan’s refueling mission for US-led anti-terror operations in and near Afghanistan after a three-month hiatus.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba told some 190 crew members that the resumption of logistical support is highly appreciated by the international community.
“I wish you to complete tasks perfectly for the interests of Japan and the rest of the world,” said Ishiba. “Japan will fulfill its global responsibilities and this mission will help make Afghanistan more stable,” Ishiba stressed.
The 4,550-ton Murasame will join the 13,500-ton supply ship Oumi, which will leave Sasebo base in southwestern Japan on Friday. The two vessels, with 340 crew members in total and commanded by MSDF Capt. Seiji Saeki, are expected to resume supplying oil to the US-led coalition ships in mid-February.
“All the members are in high spirits and are willing to do their utmost to meet the expectations of the public,” the captain said.
Japan’s naval mission had been suspended since the legislation expired November 1 after the government failed to win parliamentary approval for the special law to be extended, following a defeat for the ruling camp in the upper house election in July.
But earlier this month, the parliament enacted new legislation authorizing its Maritime Self-Defense Force to resume the refueling mission despite resistance from the opposition parties.
The refueling mission started in December 2001 after the September 11 terror attacks on the US. The two-year legislation was extended for another two years in 2003 and one year in 2005. Japan had provided about 490,000 kl of fuel in 794 occasions to vessels from 11 countries, including the US, France, Britain, and Pakistan.