自衛隊じえいたいの船舶せんぱく専門せんもんの輸送ゆそう部隊ぶたい 新あらたに発足ほっそく 呉ご基地きちで編成へんせい完結かんけつ式しき

In order to quickly transport Self-Defense Forces units and equipment to remote islands in the southwestern region, a new specialized naval transport unit has been established, and on the 6th, a completion ceremony was held at the Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture.

<br>The Ministry of Defense newly established a specialized maritime transport unit called the Maritime Transport Group last month, which is responsible for transporting Self-Defense Forces units and equipment to remote islands and other locations in times of emergency.

<br>At the Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture, where the headquarters was located, a completion ceremony was held on the 6th, and the units flag was handed over to Group Commander Kimiyo Baba by Defense Minister Nakatani.

<br><br>Maritime Transport Group is a joint force of land, sea, and air, but since it mainly transports equipment of the Ground Self-Defense Force, most of those operating the vessels are Ground Self-Defense Force officers.

It is planned to deploy a total of 10 small transport ships and high-speed boats by the end of fiscal year 2027, so that they can dock at ports on remote islands with shallow water depths and land on sandy beaches.

<br><br>These vessels will be deployed to Kure Base and Hanshin Base in Kobe City, and there are plans to develop a quay in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, where vessels can dock.

<br><br>Commander Baba of the Maritime Transport Group said, As the first Ground Self-Defense Force officer to become the commander of a unit operating ships, I feel a great sense of responsibility.

I want to train strong personnel who can firmly handle maritime transport missions, he said.

<br>Defense Minister Nakatani: Strengthening Mobility and Deployment Capabilities for Defense in the Southwestern Region<br>Defense Minister Nakatani expressed his intention to enhance the mobility and deployment capabilities of troops and equipment to ensure the defense of remote islands in the southwestern region.

During the completion ceremony, Minister Nakaya stated, The main players in maritime transportation will be the Ground Self-Defense Force officers and the Maritime Self-Defense Force officers, symbolizing the integrated operations of a new era.

I believe that they will overcome all difficulties and meet the great expectations of the people, he instructed.

<br><br>And Minister Nakatani also inspected the newly deployed transport ship and received explanations from the personnel about efforts to reduce manpower and methods of loading vehicles.

<br><br>After this, Minister Nakatani told reporters about the significance of the units formation, stating that in order to ensure the defense of islands, it is necessary to strengthen the mobility deployment capability to transport troops and equipment quickly and continuously from various parts of the country.

We will improve transportation capacity to be able to respond to any situation, he said.