JDS Shirane and JDS Chokai

Date of Issue: October 01, 2002

Scott #: 2834

Japan issued a single stamp to commemorate International Fleet Review held at Tokyo Bay on Sunday, October 13, 2002.

As part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), it was the first time an international fleet review has been held in Japan, and in addition to 24 JMSDF vessels, a total of 17 ships from the United States, Republic of Korea (ROK), India, France, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Chile, New Zealand, Thailand, and Singapore took part in the review.

The JMSDF was formed following the dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Navy after World War II. Its main tasks are to maintain control of the nation's sea lanes and to patrol territorial waters.

The two warships depicted in the stamp are:

JDS Shirane (143) - A Shirane class Destroyer Helicopter (DDH)

JDS Chokai (176) - A Kongo class Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG)