Baghdad- The forces of Japan and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces celebrated a successful tour and the end of their time in Iraq at a ceremony at Al Faw Palace on December 6th.
As part of the overall coalition forces serving in Iraq, the Japanese Forces have served with honor, acting as a support and logistical unit for the coalition effort in Iraq over the last five years in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The overall level of support has been about 600 soldiers that were tasked with assisting in various areas of Iraqi reconstruction and rebuilding. The members of the Japanese forces have been in country in Iraq since the very beginning of the Iraqi liberation effort- since March of 2003.
The Japanese Ground Forces were stationed in Iraq in the area of Samawah, in the south part of Iraq. They worked to supply water to coalition forces and to the communities in which they served, assisted in rebuilding of different Iraqi infrastructures, helped build roads and schools, and assisted with humanitarian and medical efforts.
As part of the Japanese Air Defense force, there have been three airplanes, C-130 aircraft that have been part of the overall Japanese effort stationed at the Ali Al Salem Air base in Kuwait.
?The Japanese Forces have served with honor, pride and distinction and are returning to Japan after a successful mission,? stated Major General Michael Ferriter.
Major General Ferriter is the deputy commanding General of Operations for the Multi National Forces ? Iraq.