Japanese Destroyers Visit Suva
p. 107 · Read in the full issue
UR Japanese destroyers of the training squadron of the Japan L Maritime Self-Defence Force paid a three-day goodwill visit to Suva, Fiji, in early September.
The squadron is under the command of Rear-Admiral Hidesumi Mizutani. The Rear-Admiral and officers paid a courtesy call on the Acting Governor, Mr. P. D. MacDonald, at Government House, and the Mayor of Suva, Councillor C. A. Stinson, at the Civic Centre.
A guard of honour, with the squadron band, attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Suva Military Cemetery. Rear-Admiral Mizutani and officers also attended a Trooping of the Colour ceremony by the 2nd Battalion of the Fiji Military Forces.
Ships of the squadron were thrown open to the public and attracted a large crowd of visitors.
The squadron, which had previously visited Australia and New Zealand, later sailed for Guam. • Photo shows the Acting Governor of Fiji taking the salute during a visit to the Japanese squadron. Both the National and the Japanese anthems were played by the squadron band.
Photo: Rob Wright.