Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� October, 2003

Fleet Review of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Sunday, October 26, 2003 The fleet review is preceded as the main reviewing event for the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) anniversary day with the purpose of attaining further understanding and trust of the people toward SDF and their understanding toward maritime defense. The event was taken place, in which 52 vessels, including one patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard, 53 aircraft and approximately 8,500 people participated this year. Prime Minister Koizumi, who went aboard the escort ship "Shirane" as an inspector, said in his address, "The world is facing new threats of terrorism and missiles. The SDF, therefore, must review its current organization and equipment accordingly, and work toward efficient operation so that appropriate responses to these threats can be taken," and also said, "We will make sure for preparations in line with safety concerns regarding the humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in Iraq."