2 / 3 free articles left.
HMAS Stuart has participated in the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) Fleet Review, which took place in Sagami Bay off Yokosuka, Japan.
Stuart joined 50 vessels and 61 aircraft from the host nation as well as India, South Korea, France and the US.
A highlight was the participation of one of the JMSDF's newest ships, JS Izumo, the 27,000 tonne helicopter carrier commissioned in March this year. In addition, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, which replaced the USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture on October 1st, was also in attendance.
A formal ceremony welcomed HMAS Stuart alongside in Yokosuka on 10 October with a JMSDF contingent, led by Captain Kazijoto, greeting the ship on arrival.
Marking the formal commencement of the Review Week from 11 October, a Colour Guard and platoon from Stuart marched through the streets of Yokosuka, along with Japanese , French and the US Navies.
The ship was also in location to participate in Exercise NICHI GHOU TRIDENT.
Commanding Officer Stuart Commander Aaron Nye said that the visit from the Australian frigate was in part, reciprocal for the attendance of Japan's JDS Makinami at the Royal Australian Navy's own International Fleet Review in Sydney in 2013.
“It is great to be here to represent Australia for Japan's Fleet Review, as this visit continues to foster the close relationship our two navies enjoy," he said.
For many of the crew, the visit was their first to Japan.
Leading Seaman Alistair Harrison described the arrival in Japan as a “once in a lifetime visit”.
"This is particularly significant as I also participated in Sydney’s International Fleet Review in 2013, along with many of the crew," he said.
Stuart is conducting a North East Asian Deployment.