Two Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships, JS YAMAYUKI and JS SETOGIRI arrived safely at the Muara Commercial Port. The contingent is led by Captain Hiromichi Kuwano, Commander of the 14th Escort Division. The visit took place from 10 April to 13 April 2013.
Present to receive the ship at the Muara Commercial Port was the Deputy Head of Mission Counselor to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Kinzo Nakagan. Also present was the Deputy Fleet Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) Lt Col (L) Zil Husam bin Haji Abd Rahman.
As part of the visit, Captain Hiromichi Kuwano and his delegation have made Courtesy Calls to the Commander of The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy.
In addition, the Japanese delegations also made several visits around Brunei Darussalam including places of huge cultural significance to the Bruneian People which include the Royal Regalia and Brunei Museum. A sports interaction was also organised between the officers under training of JS YAMAYUKI (DD129) and JS SETOGIRI (DD156) against the officer cadets of the Royal Brunei Navy where a friendly match of football was played. Football was not the only sports event organized, as both sides also enjoyed a friendly match of volleyball and the always entertaining game of Tug of War. Although a friendly match, the two sides gave their all as both sides vowed to win it for their colors.
This visit, aimed at strengthening the long-established bilateral relations between both countries, was deemed a fruitful one to both Navies. Areas of military cooperation were also explored during the Harbour Interaction, including sharing of procedures in Fire Fighting Damage Control (FFDC), for a better mutual understanding between the navies.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, April 17, 2013; Image: Ministry of Defense