MSDF Ship Returns Home After Indian Ocean Antiterrorism Operation

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship returned to Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture after having ended its mission to refuel vessels undertaking U.S.-led Anti-Terrorism operations in the Indian Ocean amid controversy as to whether Japan should continue with the mission.Hamana (AOE424)Some 370 family members and MSDF personnel held a ceremony at a pier of the MSDF base in Sasebo Port to welcome the return of the 140 crew members of the 8,150-ton Hamana, which had been dispatched to the Indian Ocean for six months since March.