JDS Mikuma
JDS "Mikuma" (DE-217) was the third ship of the s of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Development and design. The "Chikugo" class was designed as the modified variant of the , the preceding destroyer escort class. The main anti-submarine (ASW) weapon was changed from the M/50 ASW rocket launcher to the ASROC anti-submarine missile. The octuple launcher for ASROC was stationed at the mid-deck, and the entire ship design was prescribed by this stationing. Construction and career. "Mikuma" was laid down on 17 March 1970 at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Osaka and launched on 16 February 1971 . The vessel was commissioned on 26 August 1971 into the 34th Escort Corps of the Sasebo District Force with JDS Chikugo. She joined the 23rd Sasebo District Force Escort Corps on March 24, 1997. "Mikuma" was decommissioned on 8 JUly 1997 with the total itinerary during commissioning of 501,738.1 nautical miles.