The Commanding Officer of JS Tokiwa, CDR MATSUO Takumi said, “We are very pleased to have conducted this bilateral exercise with the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Montreal, which has been deployed in waters surrounding Japan on a regular basis in recent years. Through this exercise, we were able to improve our tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with the Royal Canadian Navy. We will continue to improve the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region by safely and reliably carrying out our assigned replenishment mission, supporting not only the JMSDF’s vessels but also the activities of allied and like-minded naval vessels in waters surrounding Japan, and contributing to the maintenance and strengthening of international order based on the rule of law.”
“HMCS Montréal training with the the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Indo-Pacific region is another demonstration of our readiness and commitment to strengthen our relationships with our partners who are also committed to support the rules-based international order,” says Commander Travis Bain, Commanding Officer of HMCS Montréal.
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.