So the 16DDH is now officaly the JDS Hyuga, DDH-181*.  This name is an interesting choice, being niether a name associated with just surface forces or aviation but both.  The new Hyuga takes her name from the Ise class battleship that was converted into a hybrid Carrier-Battleship combination.  The name is appropiate for a destroyer due to its battleship origins but is also subtle signal that Japan is stepping back into the arena of naval aviation in a serious way.  Offically the Japanese media is stating that she displaces 13,500 tons and can carry only seven helos and operate just four at a time.  While this is unsurprising given the technical ignorance of most media in defence matters the truth is that she will displaced about 21,000 tons loaded for action and be capable of carrying around 22-24 aircraft, possibly as many as 28 or 30* depending upon the mix of types and sizes.  The big question is how her neighbors will react, only time will tell, until then may the Japanese Defense Ship Hyuga always find fair winds and following seas.

As seen from her Port side.

And a stern view for good measure.

*Allthough it would seem that the Hull number 145 would be assigned to her this is how the US would number her, the Japanese break from US tradition by Naming DDs, DDGs, DDKs** and DDHs from the same numerical squence.  Hence DDH-181, having been ordered after the DDGs 179 and 180.

*This would likely be in the role of an aviation transport to support an amphibious landing, hauling utillity and attack helos for the Japanese Army I mean Japanese Ground Self Defence Force.

**DDK=Destroyer, Antisubmarine Warfare, this designator originated with the US Nay in the middle fifties and the Japanese still have three DDKs built in the seventies in service that are due to be replaced by a new class of multipurpose DDs.

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From First Multi-National Force Iraq:

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain three, destroy weapons cache.

IPs, Marines host youth soccer day.

Update: 14 Task Force Lightning Soldiers die in helicopter downing.  A strong reminder that niether freedom or victory is without cost.  But we will also see to it that those who are guility are found and punished.

Terrorist responsible for shooting down coalition helicopter detained.

MND-B Apache crews destroy rocket tubes.

11 detained in Rashid, including 9 Iraqi Policemen.

U.S. Marines, Iraqis search for weapons.

Advances being made to bring electrical stability.

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 16DDH looking good, fully painted and awaiting her launching in four days.

Here we see the details of her island, the installed front and rear phassed array radars and that some of the fore end scaffolding has been removed.

 The most obvious change here is the removal of the bridge for DDG-179 to clear the door of the dry dock, and the removal equipment from her flight deck.

   This far shot reveals that  her flightdeck is fully cleared and is in the process of being painted and coated wth anti-skid coating.

Finally we can see that the tarp at her stern is indeed covering her name, which for the moment remains known only to her builders and a handful of others.

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From First Multi-National Force Iraq:

Iraqi Army Forces provide humanitarian aid, medical supplies to Sinjar bombing victims.

U.S. Military works to improve Iraqi Security Forces.

Concerned Citizens step toward self-reliance.

Minister of Health visits new Healthcare Centers.

Harbor Substation essential to Port, industry operation.

Weapons cache found in Adhamiyah.

Bomb production facility destroyed.

Tip leads to largest cache uncovered in western Baghdad neighborhood.

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     More photos of 16DDH now just one week from launching, at the same time she will be officaly christined with her name.  While that is still unknown to us it is clear that major fabrication is basically complete and all that remains is fitting out work which will probably last for 10 to 12 months as weapons systems, interior electronics, machinery and crew facilities are installed, from that point on most work will not be visible execpt for the instilation of weaponry and other topside fittings such as edge nets, life raft cans and boat davits.

Here we see that her island and stack tops are now fully painted.  Most importantly her forward phased arrays appear have been fitted and are protected from the elements by a coating of spray lat until they are ready to be painted later on.

This angle shows that her hull has recieved a second coat of paint and the tarp at center suggests that her name may well have been painted on and is hidden until her launching on the 23^rd.  The most notable change here is the movent of scaffolds and other equipment away from the hull as the launch date approaches.  The single biggest task facing the yard crew is the moving of the bridge lift of the Atago class DDG being built behind her.

Once again this view gives us an idea of the overall size of the ship and  basic layout sans weapons and deck fittings, she is big and long.  Once agian I must stress that the term destroyer is copletely incorrect fo this ship, I would class here as either a CVL or CVS, possibly a CVH*, but in no way is she a destroyer.

*The Japanese use the US Navy's ship designation system in which a CV is a multipurpose aircraft carrier (Super or fleet carrier**) CVL is a light carrier, CVS an antisubmarine carrier and CVH a helicopter carrier.  A CVN is simply a CV with a nuclear powerplant and a CVA is an attack carrier, a CVE is an escort carrier and finally a CVT is a training carrier.

**Super carriers displace 75,000+ tons and are from the Forrestal (Forrestal, Kitty Hawk, Enterprise, Kennedy and Nimitz classes)  class forward, while fleet carriers would be of the Midway, Essex or Ticonderoga class when operating as straight CVs but many of the Essex and Tico's ended their service lives as CVS carriers.

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    More photos of the progress of the Japanese 16DDH as her launching approaches.  Her launching and naming ceremony haas been anounced for the 23 of the month.  My money is on either Hosho or Akagi* for her name, we shall see.

Here we can see that her navigation and other mast mounted radars have been installed and that it would seem progress has been made on her phased arrays, given that where we could once see through the tarps or nets covering the openings they now appear opauqe.

Not much visible change can be seen from this angle, however the construction behind her is now identifiable as the bridge for the third of four Atago class destroyers DDG 179.  This is easy because only 16DDH and Atago class ships in the JMSDF have closed masts as oposed to the more common open frame masts.

This picture gives us an idea of the ships length and the level appearence of the deck would seem to imply that her elevators have been mated to their wells and lifting gear.

*Hosho was the worlds first from the keel up aircraft carrier and Japan's first CV.  Akagi was the flagship of the first air fleet in WW2 and perhaps the best remembered Japanese CV of WW2.

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From First Multi National Force Iraq

Operation Hoplite clears Had Maksar.

Joint Iraqi Police, Army operation nets seven near Kirkuk.

Puppets help U.S. troops reach out to children in Baqubah.

Iraqi Scouts, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain suspected extortionist in Rawah.

Two weapons caches discovered in Jamia.

CF, IA lend support to Iraqi farmers.

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda leaders around Baghdad.

Bringing care to Quarghulli.

25th CAB exploits technology to defeat terrorists.

Al-Qaeda terrorist captured during Marne Avalanche.

Coalition Forces Kill 30 Special Groups Cell Terrorists, detain 12.

Six suspected terrorists detained, one terrorist killed in Coalition raids.

Golden Dragons provide healthcare to residents.

Cache seized, suspect detained.

It was true then, and it remains true today.

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From First Multinational Force Iraq (like you didn't know that already )

Luncheon given to Coalition Forces by Iraqis.

Suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist captured during Marne Avalanche.

Soldiers team with Iraqis at checkpoint.

Top General pays visit to Strike Force.

3rd HBCT medics hold free health clinic.

Citizens oust terrorists from mosque, help uncover weapons cache.

Rogue JAM company commander detained during Marne Avalanche.

Your weapon will only fail you when you fail your weapon.

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     I know that I have tended to focus mainly on issues directly concerning the war and the far east when talking about broader security issues.  This piece is meant to correct that far eastern focus and I hope to correct for that particular bit of target fixation.  For great background and EU related news check out Richard North's definitive blog EU Referendum, he does a much better job at covering this subject than I could ever hope to do.

     The European Union has since its very beginning sought to create a single United States of Europe, and knowing that this could not be accomplished overtly they have relied upon the covert salami method of slowly but surely usurping power from the National governments that make up the EU.  One of the key areas of usurpation that has failed to succeed is in the area of defence, having to contend with selfish national interests and the established allience of NATO.  This doesn't mean that the EU has been inactive on the defence front, the opposite is true.  Having thus far focused on creating a 'European Rapid Reaction Force" (ERRF) which is hardly rapid and distinctly lacking in force.  The current EU 'Reform Treaty' (aka EU Constitution Mk 2) would if passed pave the way for a single European army.  For Britian this would turn a bad situation to into a distarous one.  British equipment procurement and development is largely hamstrung due to comitment to the ERRF that leads to either buying the wrong things or going with inferior, and often more expensive european gear when cheaper US, Canadian or Australian gear is readily available.

     This effects other European nations as well, and it is interesting to note that two of the heaviest lifting NATO countries are not EU members, Norway and Turkey respectively.  As some nations pay more attention to EU directives than NATO agreements the allience suffers, and as a result all of NATO's members pay the price.  This can already be seen in Afghanistan where some countries have limited interoperability with US, Canadian and South Korean forces. While not at the tipping point for the UK yet the very real possibility of being forced to choose between the US and hte 'special relationship' or europe and its improbable dreams of glory is soon approaching.  When the moment comes one hopes that Britian will see the light and protect one of the oldest* and closest alliences on God's green earth.  Until then one can only watch and wait.

British Snipers in Basra Iraq circa spring 2004, from the Royal Irish Regiment.

*The formal allience between the UK and USA was sealed with the treaty of Yorktown in May of 1880.

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From First Multinational Force Iraq.

Operation Gratitude mails 250,000th package, Soldier receives keys to new car.

Iraqi Security Forces complete security sweep in Samarra.

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Operations Forces, detain suspected insurgents near Taji.

Soldiers learn methods to save trapped troops.

Rashid clearing continues: multiple caches uncovered by MND-B Soldiers.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Three, Disrupt Samarra al-Qaeda Cell.

Army engineers near 4,000 complete Iraqi projects.

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From First Multinational Force Iraq

Paratrooper awarded Silver Star for actions in Samarra.

Airpower plays significant role in Iraq, Afghanistan.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces battle terrorists near Doura.

3-1 Cavalry tests water at new well in al Nijadat.

Troops provide dental, medical assistance.

Local tip leads to cache discovery.

Freedom Radio News.

IA, Stryker leaders assess progress in Baqouba.

Coalition Forces reclaim Jamea'a during Operation Rogue Thunder.

Technology can help to win wars, but only the grit and determination of the individual soldier can secure victory.

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From First Multinational Force Iraq:

Iraqi forces take pride in themselves, their units.

Kindi re-opens kindergarten.

Brits helping to train Iraqi Army.

Nine suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained.

General recognizes pilots for daring rescue mission.

Baghdad revives as surge, economic programs take effect.

Improved Ninewah security may mean fewer U.S. troops in future.

MND-B attack aircraft engage enemy rocket launchers.

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All Stories from Defend America.

From Afghanistan:

Afghan Soldiers Undergo 'Commando' Training, Volunteers learn infantry tactics and first aid.

Bagram Outreach Program Brings Aid to Local Villages.
Medical mission breaks barriers, builds trust with villagers.

Operation Diablo Dragnet Links People to Government.
Collaborative effort yields trust and discourse with Afghans.

Afghan Government Provides Aid to Flood Victims. Hundreds of pounds of food and water help 250 villagers.

Ready Reserve Soldiers Respond to Country’s Call. Soldiers receive recognition, promotions.

From Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonier Djibouti

Task Force Members Survive in Djibouti Desert. Training provides better appreciation for African weather conditions.

Civil Affairs Team Celebrates Fence Completion. Soldiers help villagers build fence around school.

Servicemembers Move into New Billets. Containerized living units improve quality of life for troops.

Be prepared, be alert, stay alive!

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From First Multinational Force Iraq

Three insurgents killed emplacing roadside bomb.

Statement from the Multi-National Force-Iraq to Iraq’s National Soccer Team.

36 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained.

Al-Qaeda cell leader killed, seven insurgents detained near Karmah.

Stallion Engineers lend hand to Iraqi Army counterparts in Al Awad.

Soldiers, NAC work together to refurbish School in Saliyih.

Mortar tube, cache seized in south Baghdad.

20 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained.

Keep the dreaded call from coming, Keep it to yourself!

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From First MNF-Iraq

     Soldiers, Marines pour their hearts into helping local Iraqi boys.

       AL TAQADDUM — In the United States things can be relatively simple. If someone is ill, he goes to the doctor. If a person is very ill, then they go to the hospital.

      In Iraq, on the other hand, it is not always that simple. Medical care is very expensive and many times the wait to be treated can be weeks long.

      While on patrol, soldiers from Company A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), stumbled upon two boys who were truly sick, took a stand,  and decided to help them.

      One of them has a serious heart condition.

      “He has what’s called Tetralogy of Fallot,” said Spc. Eric Rasmussen, a medic with the company and Maple Grove, Minn., native. “It’s pretty much a hole that keeps the heart from receiving oxygenated blood.”

      Mohommed Yesier Abdula Essa has been living with the hole in his heart for quite some time.

      “Once we decided to help him we contacted a group called the National Iraqi Assistance Center in Baghdad,” said Army 1st Lt. Gordon P. Giswold, a civil affairs officer with the battalion.

      “They said they could sponsor these kids to receive surgery.”

      Once the ball began to roll, it was a matter of getting the children to Baghdad to receive treatment.

      “The (commanding general) made things happen,” said Giswold, a Cold Spring, Minn., native. “Pretty much everyone was trying to make this work.”

       Once they arranged for transportation, the company went out and retrieved the sick children and family.

Read it all here.

     The story speaks for itself.  It still amazes me what the average American service member is willing to do for someone he has never met before, with no expectation of recieving anything in return.  If you see a service member or veteran give them a thank you for their service, they deserve it.

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     Steady progress on the still nameless 16DDH continues apace with new photos showing how work is progressing.

Here we can see that she has gained her mast and a number of antenas.  She also appears to have recieved her first coat of paint up to the flight deck edge level.

Here we see another angle giving us a better view of her mast, stack tops and bridge.  Also new are the covers on the phased aray radar appetures, indicating that her radar gear is being installed.

Finally I dug up this scan of a Japanese newspaper with this great overhead view allowing us to see that her elevators are assembled on deck prior to being fitted to their lifting gear.  Not readily obvoius is the location of her VLS cell though, just foreward of the bridge where several work vehicles are parked at the moment.

First two photos came from this Japanese blog.  Previous construction photos from the same source, wish I read Japanese sorry, no source for the newspaper scan.

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The Yomiuri Shimbun

     The Defense Ministry will include in its fiscal 2008 budgetary request funds to develop a manned prototype fifth-generation fighter jet equipped with stealth capabilities and other advanced technologies, sources said Monday.

     With the production of F-2 support fighters, jointly developed by Japan and the United States, scheduled to end in fiscal 2011, the ministry apparently plans to maintain the foundations for future technological development, the sources said.

     The sources also said the ministry, by showing interest in developing jet fighters domestically, hopes to gain an edge in negotiations with the United States next summer when it selects Japan's next main fighter jets (F-X fighters).

     According to ministry officials, the envisioned prototype would be equipped with stealth technology and other advanced electronics that would make the plane difficult to detect by radar. As the prototype would not be installed with radars and weaponry, it is expected to be smaller than real fighter jets, the officials said.

Full Story

The Yomiuri Shimbun

     Japan's security environment has been becoming increasingly unnerving. The threats of North Korea's nuclear program and ballistic missiles, China's rapid military buildup, international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction all imperil our security.

     Politicians have a responsibility to squarely address the vital issue of how to secure the nation's peace and safety. However, diplomatic and security issues have barely registered a blip in the campaign for the July 29 House of Councillors election. We think each political party and candidate should be doing more to stimulate debate on such issues.

Full Editorial

     Japan continues to be skittish, and reasonably so, about its nieghbors.  Everyone in the region is making territorial claims, forming alliences and building up their military capabillities.  Ideally that would lead some sort of open forum where problems can be dealt with through diplomacy, but through out history all such attempts have failed.  Given the unpredictabillity of North Korea and China, Japan is doing the prudent thing, preparing for the worst.  No one wants to see war in the western pacific but it has to be the most volatile flashpoint in the world right now after the middle east.  As the Romans said, 'pray for peace, prepare for war.'

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        Australia, India, Japan and the United States will join in a Bay of Bengal naval exercise in September, hinting at progress in negotiations for a possible four-way alliance.
     The first high-level discussions of such an alliance came in May, when assistant secretaries of state and equivalents from the four countries met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum gathering in Manila, Indian Foreign Ministry sources said.
     The meeting was held quietly, but not secretly; just days before, China issued demarches to all four participants, formally asking about their intentions.
     Singapore will also play in the exercises, which will include submarines, naval aircraft and 20 ships, including the U.S. aircraft carriers Nimitz and Kitty Hawk and the Indian carrier Viraat.
     The exercise, announced July 11 during the visit here by Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, will be part of a joint maritime-security initiative for the Asia-Pacific region.

4-Nation Naval Exercise May Presage New Alliance

     The purpose of these exercises, and the US policy of strengthing ties with its Pacific allies and making new ones, like India is very clear.  It is meant to act as  bareak against any furture Chinese adventures in the region, and to ensure that no matter how much money China pours into its navy it will never be able to equal the naval power of the US and her regional allies.

Photos from RIMPAC 2006, clickable for massive high res versions.  Ships from the US, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Chile and Peru.

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From first Multinational Force Iraq

Cavalry troops aid Iraqi farmers.

Iraqi Army succeeds using an ‘open heart.’

Engineers' efforts will have lasting impact in Iraq, general says.

New Iraqi Police Station opens in Wahida.

3rd HBCT nabs top insurgent.

Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces detain suspected Al Qaeda cell leader near Taji.

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From the Times of London via Fox News

     Fed up with being part of a group that cuts off a person’s face with piano wire to teach others a lesson, dozens of low-level members of Al Qaeda in Iraq are daring to become informants for the U.S. military in a hostile Baghdad neighbourhood.

     The ground-breaking move in Doura is part of a wider trend that has started in other Al Qaeda hotspots across the country and in which Sunni insurgent groups and tribal sheikhs have stood together with the coalition against the extremist movement.

     “They are turning. We are talking to people who we believe have worked for Al Qaeda in Iraq and want to reconcile and have peace,” said Colonel Ricky Gibbs, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, which oversees the area.

     Further proof that we have found a winning strategy and we now only need stay the course to ensure continued sucess.  Still we must keep our wits about us and watch out for a change in enemy tactics to counter our own changes.

Full Story Here

Remeber a seceret is only as safe as the person keeping it! So keep it to yourself!

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