Special Feature 1 Defense Chronology Commencement of Information Gathering Activities for Ensuring the Safety of Japan-related Vessels in the Middle East February 2020 An oil tanker ablaze after a June 2019 attack in the Gulf of Oman (EPA/Jiji) In the Middle East region, amidst rising tensions, attacks took place on ships, including a case in which a Japan-related vessel suffered damage in June 2019. Under these circumstances, Japan has decided to dispatch a Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) vessel for the purpose of information gathering and the utilization of the existing counter-piracy unit as a part of Japan’s independent efforts. January 2020Two MSDF P-3C left Japan on January 11, 2020, along with the replacement of the counter-piracy unit and began information gathering activities on the 20th. JS “Takanami” left port on February 2 and started to engage in information gathering activities in the field on February 26. 7 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2020