International Fleet Review. 13th October 2002.
The Japan Maritime Self‑defence Force hosts the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) and International Fleet review (IFR) as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration event in Tokyo Bay.
The purposes of the IFR are, firstly, to show the dignified appearance of the Japan Maritime Self‑defence Force domestically and internationally, as well as enhancing peoples' understanding of the JMSDF resulting in getting their trust and co‑operation in Japan's defence policy and secondly to aim at strengthening relationships of mutual trust through the exchange events with a lot of foreign navies.
SHIRANE was part of the reviewing unit of 14 ships, and CHOKAI was part of the parading unit of 29 Japanese and 17 foreign vessels (None from the UK). This stamp (issued 1st Oct. 2002) depicts two destroyers, No. 143 DDH SHIRANE and No. 176 DDG CHOKAI.
SHIRANE Keel laid 25 Feb 1977 Launched 18 Sept 1978, Commissioned 17 March 1980.
Built by Tokyo No. 1 Works of Ishikawajima‑Harima Heavy‑Industries, Ltd.(IHI), Tokyo, Japan.
Displ. 5,200tons
Engine 2 turbines, 2 shafts 70,000 PS Speed 32 knots
Complement 350
Armament:
5"/54 calibre rapid fire gun
20mm Gatling gun
Sea Sparrow launcher
asroc launcher
Topedo launching system
(triple x 2))
ASW helicopter
Long F'cle Deck
Information Kyo Miyake Log Book May 2003
Japan SG3070