Built as an LST ship by Mitsui, Tamano, Japan for the Japanese Navy.
30 November 1999 laid down.
29 November 2000 launched as the SHIMOKITA, (4002) two sisters. She is one of the Ösumi class.
Displacement 8,900 ton standard, 14,000 ton full load, dim. 178 x 25,8 x 6.0m (draught).
Powered by two Mitsui 16V42M-A diesels, 26,000 bhp, twin shafts, speed 22 knots. One bow thruster.
Armament 2 – 20mm Phalanx CIWS and 2 – 12,7mm machine guns.
Carries up to 8 helicopters and two landings craft air cushions (LCAC).
Crew 138 and 330 troops.
12 March 2002 commissioned homeport Kuru.
2020 In active service.
Source; Wikipedia.
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