Two Japanese naval ships, Ikazuchi DD- 107 and Sawagiri DD- 157, arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 04th October 2012. The visiting ships, sailing under the command of Commander Escort Division 5, Captain Hirokazu Yamazaki, were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on arrival.
“Ikazuchi” is a destroyer which is 151 meters in length. It consists of a complement of 180 naval personnel and has a displacement of 4,550 tons. “Sawagiri” is also a destroyer with a length of 137 meters and a displacement of 3,550 tons. It consists of a complement of 190 naval personnel. The ships’ complements participated in a special programme organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in Sri Lanka.
Prior to their departure, the visiting Japanese ships took part in a passage exercise with Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Samudura in the seas off Galle on 06th October. The exercise paved way for the enhancement of friendly relations between the two naval forces.