Japan's navy commissioned its largest helicopter carrier yet but stressed that the destroyer complies with the country's post-war pacifist constitution. -- PHOTO: AFPFrom The New Wars:
The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force commissioned its very first aircraft carrier recently, the first that nation has owned since World War 2. Asia Defence reveals:
JAPAN’S navy on Wednesday commissioned its largest helicopter carrier yet but stressed that the destroyer complies with the country’s post-war pacifist constitution.
The defence ministry said the 197-metre long Hyuga - which can carry 11 helicopters on its flat deck - is different from the light aircraft carriers of foreign armed forces which it resembles…The 13,950-tonne destroyer is one of the largest vessels built for the Japanese Marine SDF. It will be stationed in Yokosuka port, near Tokyo, and is expected to be sent on overseas disaster relief missions.
The Hyuga has about 340 crew - including 17 female officers and sailors, the first women to serve on an SDF naval destroyer.
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My Comment: With the U.S. cutting back on their Navy, and their influence in the world is decreasing, the Japanese are stepping up to protect their interests..