Japan JMSDF news and updates

[Saithan]

Admiral Sait saluting naval officers at the ceremony (JMSDF image)

New Chief Of Staff For The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force​

Admiral Akira Saito was appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) on July 19, 2024. He succeeds Admiral Ryo Sakai who resigned from his position earlier in July.​

Naval News Staff 31 Jul 2024

Graduated from the National Defense Academy in 1989, Admiral Saito commanded several minor ships before becoming Commanding Officer of the Hatsuyuki-class destroyer ‘JS Isyuki’ in 2006. He joins the famous Command course at the US Naval War College in Newport in 2008 allowing him to access superior command within the JMSDF.

He was first assigned to the plans and programs division to become in 2009 the Chief of the latter. However, Saito is called back to the operational level to take command of the 14th escort squadron composed of 3 destroyers. This will last only one year.

During two years, the new Chief of Staff will handle more administrative duties becoming director of education and assignment director. He will be rewarded by taking command of Escort Flotilla One based in Yokosuka which includes two escort squadrons – about 8 combat surface ships. During the 5 following years, Admiral Saito will be assigned to various Commanding positions switching between the Fleet Escort Force and more general operational commands.

In 2022, he took charge of the Self Defense Fleet gathering all forces of the JMSDF – Fleet Escort Force, Fleet Air Force, submarine force, mine warfare, and support units as the intelligence command, the oceanographic and ASW command but also other specified units.

Admiral Saito has already a full agenda as his assignment comes as the JMSDF is impacted by several troubles that happened within, and which the new Chief of Staff highlights in his greetings message: “I would also like to express my sincere apologies for the improper management of classified information, the allowance fraud, and other misconduct that have greatly undermined the expectations and trust of the public.”

The admiral stresses the need to change the behaviour of JMSDF personnel to face internal and external challenges as the security environment gets tougher.

“As the Chief of Staff, JMSDF, I will have “Strength” and “Sincerity” for my motto as I work together with all members of the JMSDF to protect the seas and defend the peace and independence of our country.”


Admiral Satoshi Saito, Chief of the JMSDF

Admiral Saito last week visited Perth, Australia for the IODS conference (Naval News picture):

New Chief of Staff for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force - Naval News

Admiral Akira Saito was appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) on July 19, 2024.

www.navalnews.com