The Japanese navigation training ship, Nippon-maru, and Minesweeper Tender, Bungo, came to my hometown, Matsuyama City and they were exhibited in Matsuyama Harbor. I went to the exhibition, but there were so many people and I gave up going on board.
"Nippon" of Nippon-maru corresponds to Japan in Japanese. You will figure out how strongly Japanese people feel proud of this boat, judging from the Japanese people putting the nation's name on it. It is pretty beautiful and also functionally excellent. It has been awarded the Boston Teapot Trophy three times, which is given to the fastest sailboat in the year. It is used for training young sailors.
Next, I'll write about Bungo, which was constructed from the experience in the Gulf War. It is said that Japan's minesweeping technique is one of the best in the world. Though several minesweepers were dispatched to the Gulf, they were too small to carry a considerable amount of supplies. Originally those boats were designed to sweep mines around Japan and not for long sea voyages. Therefore, this big tender, Bungo, was built. Honestly speaking, I doubted the significance of Bungo when I heard the plan. However, this military ship was so useful for the assistance of people who were devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Even the commencement was performed on the chopper's deck for the pupils who had lost their school.
(Vocabulary)
minesweeper tender 掃海母艦
MST-464 ぶんご
navigation training ship 航海練習船
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