Bush Countdown VII: Nippon Goes Home

Last MSDF ship in Indian Ocean tour now home | The Japan Times Online: "Last MSDF ship in Indian Ocean tour now home Kyodo News Japan's nearly six years of logistic support for U.S.-led antiterrorism operations in the Indian Ocean formally ended Friday, as the last supply ship returned home in the wake of a political debate over whether Japan should resume the mission. News photo Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba reviews members of the Maritime Self-Defense Force as they stand at attention during a ceremony for the MSDF oiler Tokiwa at Harumi pier Friday in Tokyo after it returned from the Indian Ocean. AP PHOTO Some 140 crew members of the 8,150-ton Tokiwa were greeted by Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, lawmakers and the crew's families upon arrival at Tokyo's Harumi pier. The ship left Japan in July to provide fuel and supplies to coalition ships in the Indian Ocean. The mission ended at midnight Nov. 1 when the temporary law authorizing it expired."