Japan joins U.S.-led anti-piracy mission

[unhappycamper]

Japan joins U.S.-led anti-piracy mission
By Eric Talmadge - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Mar 14, 2009 9:40:44 EDT

TOKYO — Two Japanese navy destroyers left Saturday to join an international anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia, despite concerns troops could be pressed into combat in violation of the country’s pacifist constitution.

The five-month deployment marks the first overseas policing action for Japan’s military, which is limited by the country’s post-World War II charter to defensive missions. The military’s forays abroad have been largely restricted to refueling, airlifting and other humanitarian activities.

The decision to join the fight against piracy has been controversial because opposition lawmakers say Japanese ships could be drawn into combat or protecting foreign ships in an emergency.

Ruling party members, however, have argued the battle against piracy is more a crime-fighting operation than a military one and therefore is not barred by the constitution.

The two Japanese destroyers, Sazanami and Samidare, which are also carrying two SH-60K patrol helicopters and a pair of speedboats, are expected to reach Somali waters in early April. Together they carry about 400 sailors, including specially trained commandos.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/03/ap_japan_piracy_031409/%2e