CMS message (Admiral Akahoshi JMSDF[Japan Navy] )

On 24 March 2008, I was appointed as Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

　　　Amid the rapidly changing situations both at home and abroad, proper shape of Japan’s defense posture and the Maritime Self-Defense Force is widely questioned. Under this particular circumstance, the appointment to Chief of Staff makes me bear firmly in mind the heavy responsibility of being at the helm of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. However our surrounding situations change, importance of protecting maritime security is permanent. I will do everything I can with all the members of the Maritime Self-Defense Force to carry out missions of protecting maritime security, the life-line of Japan.

　　　The Maritime Self-Defense Force has recently caused several problems including a serious accident and people’s trust in us is largely shaken.

　　　It is needles to say that our duty is to carry out missions as servants of Japan and its people with resolution to devote our own life at any time in order to fulfill mandate from the people. The Maritime Self-Defense Force must be a strong, trustworthy defense force that can swiftly respond under any circumstance to requirements of the Japanese government and the people.

　　　With this engraved in mind, I have set two guidelines, “Proficiency and Readiness” and “Flexible response”, for the members of the Maritime Self-Defense Force.

　　　“Proficiency and Readiness” – This is my intention to train the Maritime Self-Defense Force and maintain its proficiency and readiness at a highest standard so that it can quickly and smoothly accomplish assigned missions, without being affected by superficial changes of situations. This is also the tradition handed over since the establishment of the Maritime Self-Defense Force and essential qualities required to be professional guardians of maritime security.

　　　“Flexible response” – The Maritime Self-Defense Force will implement the largest reform of its organization on 26 March 2008. We must not act on precedent and hold to custom blindly. We should give up a past-oriented mentality and should change what needs changing flexibly and boldly.

　　　I resolve that I sincerely accept the present situations in which we are in, bear responsibility of maintaining maritime security, share the honor of being a member of the Maritime Self-Defense Force that devotes himself/herself to this country and its people, make every member fully understand their missions and duties, do what needs doing orderly, make every effort to restore trust of the people, accomplish given tasks, and thus fulfill mandate from the people, united with all the members of the Maritime Self-Defense Force.


CMS JMSDF
Admiral
Keiji Akahoshi