Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007

By PAUL H. SAYLES

Misawa, Aomori

With the ending, at least for now, of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force refueling operation for ships supporting operations in Afghanistan, I can only give a personal "Bravo Zulu" to my shipmates who manned the AOEs and destroyers involved in these missions. All of them showed consummate seamanship in each and every refueling evolution.

I hope Japan will look on their efforts and the sacrifices of their families and friends with great pride as they upheld the traditions of the MSDF. I hope also that the rest of the world appreciates their tireless efforts since November 2001.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

We welcome your opinions. Click to send a message to the editor.