A naval review of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was conducted on October 14, 2012, at Sagami Bay off Tokyo. The event is akin to the ‘Family Day at Sea’ conducted by the Indian Navy. In addition to the naval personnel, families and civilians are embarked on the ships. Various exercises are carried out at sea, involving ships, aircraft and the submarines to showcase the capabilities of JMSDF to the Japanese people.

The review involved participation of 48 ships of different class, 45 aircraft and helicopters and three submarines of the JMSDF. The day-long event also saw participation of missile frigates from the United States and Australia and an LPD of the Republic of Singapore Navy. About 8,000 personnel of JMSDF participated in the review.

Uniquely, the JMSDF is the only maritime force that operates the unique US-2 amphibious aircraft. One US-1A and two US-2 amphibious aircraft demonstrated their capability of landing in restricted waters, flying at extremely low speeds by skimming the surface and landing barely a few metres from the ships to demonstrate their ability to carry out effective longrange SAR and fleet support. The unique capability to carry out very short distance landing and take-off from sea along with its ability to carry a sizeable payload of personnel (30 personnel) and stores (three tonnes) was appreciated by the participating navies and visitors.