Two Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships, "Uraga MST 463" and "Tsushima MSO 302", arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 08th November 2011. The ships are returning from a joint Naval exercise in the Persian Gulf. The ships and their crews were ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy.
"Uraga MST 463" is a minesweeper with a crew of 15 officers and 106 sailors onboard. The ship is 141 meters in length and has a displacement of 5650 tons. It is commanded by Captain Yashioki Taguchi. "Tsushima MSO 302", a minesweeper with a length of 67 meters and a displacement of 1000 tons, is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Tomaki Katoh. Its crew comprises of 06 officers and 45 sailors.
These ships will remain in Sri Lanka till 10th of November and their crews are scheduled to take part in a series of special programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the friendship and goodwill between the two Navies.