New MSDF chief calls for discipline

New Maritime Self-Defense Force chief Adm. Keiji Akahoshi called on Monday, in a meeting after his formal inauguration, for his subordinates to exercise discipline following a series of incidents and scandals involving the MSDF since last year. ''Though the MSDF is in very severe circumstances, I want you to fully recognize your mission and duty, be united and do your utmost'' to deal with the situation, Akahoshi was quoted by Maritime Staff Office officials as telling the meeting.

Akahoshi, 57, former chief of the MSDF Sasebo District Headquarters, succeeded Adm Eiji Yoshikawa as MSO chief of staff. Yoshikawa, 60, was removed from the post by Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba following a number of problems, including last month's collision between the Aegis destroyer Atago and the trawler Seitoku Maru that left two fishermen missing and presumed dead in the Pacific, which was blamed mainly on a lax watch conducted by the destroyer's crew.

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