Two new ships will appear on the horizon in Greater Victoria this week as Japanese Ships (JS) Kashima and Hatakaze of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force make a friendly port visit to Esquimalt.
Part of the Japan Training Squadron, the ships and crews of about 550 sailors visit June 15 to 18 for overseas training and to promote international goodwill.
Greater Victoria is the second port of call in the 2023 overseas training cruise JS Kashima and JS Hatakaze, which are set to land in eight countries between May and October. The visit includes a welcome ceremony Thursday (June 15) from 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at HMC Dockyard Esquimalt.
Two wreath-laying ceremonies are set for Friday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the legislature and 10:30 a.m. to 11 at God’s Acre Cemetery in Esquimalt.
The Japan Training Squadron and the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy collaborate for a musical performance at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park on Friday from 2 to 3 p.m.
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