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| Ikazuchi (DD 107) Destroyer |
Two Japanese and one Pakistan naval ships arrived at the Port on Colombo on 28th May 2012. They were ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in keeping with naval customs and traditions on arrival.
Two Japanese ships are “IKAZUCHI” and “SAWAGIRI” belonging to the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ( JMSDF) with Commanding officer Escort Division Five, Captain Hirokazu Yamazaki onboard. They are both destroyers enroute to interchange for counter piracy operations off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.
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| SAWAGIRI (DD-157) Destroyer |
“ IKAZUCHI” is 151 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,550 tons. It has a complement of 180 naval personnel commanded by Commander Masahiro SuZuki. "SAWAGIRI" is 137 meters in length and has a displacement of 3,550 tons. It has a complement of 190 personnel commanded by Commander Toshiki Nizsizwa.
The Pakistan naval ship is a Fast Attack Craft named "Azmat" commanded by Commander Ahmed Hussain. The ship is on a good will visit while returning from China. It is 63 meters in length and has a displacement of 631 tons. The ship's complement consists of 77 naval personnel.
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| Azmat (1013) Fast Attack Craft/Corvette |
Commanding Officer of the Escort Division Five and the Commanding Officers of the ships paid courtesy calls on the Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral DS Udawatta. They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a gesture of goodwill.
Two Japanese naval ships are due to depart on 29th while the Pakistan naval ship stays till 31st.The crews are scheduled to take part in a series of programmer organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the cordial relations among the friendly navies.