The amphibious Japanese naval ship JS Osumi conducted relief item delivery to Tonga from Fiji when it called into Suva Port on February 18.
Captain Sugisaki Takamitsu said in total there were four airlifts conducted to Tonga by two of Japan Air Defence Force C-130H since January 29 and it delivered 17 tonnes of relief items such as drinking water, high pressure cleaners and canned fish.
The relief items were delivered not only by the JS Osumi but also cargo plane.
“The JS Osumi, with two LCACs and two CH-47s, had delivered 210 tonnes of relief items such as drinking (fresh water) and equipment for removing volcanic ash,” Captain Takamitsu said.
“The last time a naval ship of Japan Maritime Defence Force came to Fiji was in 2019, which was a port visit for a training squadron overseas cruise.”
There were about 250 personnel on board the Osumi and it included personnel from Japan Ground Self Defense Force who operated the CH-47s.
“In addition to this disaster relief activity conducted by Japan Self Defence Force, the government of Japan decided to provide Emergency Grant Aid of approximately $US2.44 million ($F5.1m) for Tonga,” he said.
“Japan, considering the amicable relations with Tonga, intends to closely co-ordinate with countries concerned and international organisations for the earliest recovery of the affected areas in Tonga.”
It was the first time the JS Osumi has called into the Port of Suva.
