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HMS Spey joins Japanese in enforcing sanctions against North Korea
27 June 2025
Patrol ship HMS Spey joined forces with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force to keep the pressure on North Korea to abide by international law.
On the latest leg of her Far East patrol, Spey linked up with Japanese allies to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
The UN has passed several resolutions targeting the Pyongyang regime and the unlawful generation of revenue.
At sea those resolutions manifest themselves in the form of monitoring suspect craft on behalf of United Nations Command.
Spey spent time monitoring marine traffic in the Sea of Japan, looking for vessels of interest which could be connected to activity which contravenes the Security Council Resolutions.
The resolution enforcement work came ahead of a visit to Sasebo Naval Base in southwestern Japan.
“Supporting the United Nations Command has been a privilege, and we are pleased as representatives of the UK to support this vital endeavour that supports regional stability,” said Commander Paul Caddy, Commanding Officer of HMS Spey.
“Our operations in the region are made possible by the support provided by regional allies, including the US Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, who we would like to thank for their hospitality during our stop in Sasebo.”
Supporting the United Nations Command has been a privilege, and we are pleased as representatives of the UK to support this vital endeavour that supports regional stability.
The ship’s company hosted the Director of United Nations Command - Rear, Group Captain Andrew Johnson, Japanese dignitaries and the local base command team including Captain Mike Fontaine, Commanding Officer Fleet Activities Sasebo, deepening the connections between the Royal Navy, UNC and United States Navy, as well as the JMSDF through Rear Admiral Yasutaka Ebata in a wide-ranging conversation on how our two navies can continue to learn from each other and enhance their ability to work seamlessly together.
While in port visit the ship’s football team went toe-to-toe with sailors from the JMSDF Escort Flotilla 2 (the hosts won 4-3) and experienced the local culture, food and spot of sightseeing, visiting Sasebo itself and travelling the short distance to Nagasaki.