| Kaijo Hoan / Japan Coast Guard |
|
One of the first semi military agencies Japan was allowed to set up after the war was a unit dedicated to protect the coast-lines of Japan. Founded in 1948 as the Japan Maritime Safety Agency, its English name was changed to Japan Coast Guard in April 2000. It is controlled by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and comprises of about 12.000 personnel.
In order to ensure safety and security at sea by providing Maritime Patrol and Search and Rescue services, covering approximately 4.470.000 km2, the JCG has divided Japan into eleven regions. Each region has its own Regional Coast Guard HQ and various CG Offices, CG Stations and CG Air Stations. Besides around 450 vessels, some of the larger ones capable of helicopter operations, the JCG operates some seventy aircraft, both fixed wing and helicopters. All are civil registered but also carry a unique code.
Initial equipment were surplus Beech 18 variants, augmented by various Bell and Sikorsky helicopters, including the locally manufactured single engine S-62. These were gradually replaced and during the eighties types in use included the YS-11, Shorts Skyvan, Beech 200 and Bell 212. More recent acquisitions to replace or augment older types are the DH-8, Gulfstream V, Falcon 900, SAAB 340, Beech 350, Bell 412 and Eurocopter Super Puma variants.
|
| |
Photo: Paul van der Linden
Photo: Paul van der Linden
|
JASDF Main Page
Order of Battle