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| FFM-3 Noshiro launched. Photo : MHI |
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has launched JMSDF's third Mogami-class multi-mission frigate at its Nagasaki shipyard today. The frigate with the pennant number FFM-3 is named Noshiro ( のしろ ), after the Noshiro River ( 能代川 ) in Akita Prefecture . This is in line with the first two frigates which are also named after rivers of Japan.
This will be the second vessel to bear the name Noshiro. The first being the IJN Noshiro, an Agano-class light cruiser which was sunk in 1944.
More on the Mogami-class multi-mission frigate here.
This looks like a floating-out launch rather than the gravitational slideway launch for the first two frigates. Noshiro is expected to be commissioned in 2022. Kyodo News Agency already reported that approximately 10 of the ship's complement of 90 will be female.
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| FFM-3 Noshiro launched. Photo JMSDF |
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| FFM-3 Noshiro launched. Photo : Japanese MOD |
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| FFM-3 Noshiro from VIP stand. Photo JMSDF |
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| The frigate was named by Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi Photo : JMSDF |
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| LDP lawmaker and deputy Minister of Defense Matsukawa Rui naming the frigate. Photo : MOD |
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| Name of the frigate unveiled. Photo : JMSDF |
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| Cable cutting with ship launching silver axe. Photo : MOD |
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| Silver Axe with Matsukawa Rui's name engraved. Photo : JMSDF |
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| The National Anthem and Gunkan Koshinkyoku was performed by the Sasebo Band. Photo : JMSDF |
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| FFM-3 at MHI Nagasaki Shipyard just before launching ceremony. View from Mt Nabekanmuri Park. Photo : @yukinami_jp via twitter |
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| FFM-3 Noshiro before launching ceremony. Name over stern concealed. Photo : @yukinami_jp via twitter |
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| FFM-3 Noshiro being shifted after launch. Photo : @yukinami_jp via twitter. |
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| FFM-3 Noshiro being shifted after launch. Photo : @yukinami_jp via twitter |
More on JS Noshiro's ship emblem here.
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| JS Noshiro's Logo Mark or ship crest. Image JMSDF |
