The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Training Squadron departed Japan in April and is going around the world in 4 months. It is composed of training vessel JS Kashima and Escort Ship Shimakaze (Hatakaze class DDG).
130 newly commissioned officers are being trained aboard Kashima with 30 more aboard Shimakaze.
JS Kashima was built by Hitachi Sozen in the 90ies. Some areas look like you are in a luxurious cruise ship while others are closer to a real warship. It is fitted with a 76mm main gun and torpedo launchers after all… The ship has a displacement of 4,050 tons.
JS Shimakaze is not a “new ship” but is new for the training flotilla as it replaces older Hatsuyuki class DDs. The Admiral said Shimakaze is larger therefore is more suited for training. Shimakaze is fitted with two 5 inch main guns, Phalanx CIWS, Harpoon ASM, SM-1 SAM, ASROC and torpedoes. Displacement is 4,650 tons.
