Three Maritime Self-Defense Force ships departed Sunday for the Indian Ocean to logistically support the U.S.-led military operations in Afghanistan and offer aid to Afghan refugees.
The 8,100-ton supply ship Towada left Kure base in Hiroshima Prefecture at 8 a.m., shortly followed by the 5,650-ton minesweeper tender Uraga, which set sail from Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Prefecture at 8:30 a.m.
The third ship -- the 3,550-ton destroyer Sawagiri -- left Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture around 2:50 p.m.