Japanese warship departs for Gulf of Oman to protect vessels

A Japanese warship left port near Tokyo on Sunday, on a mission to protect merchant ships and oil tankers passing through the Gulf of Oman that supply 90 percent of Japan's oil, as tension in the Middle East simmers.  The helicopter destroyer Takanami and its 200-strong crew will operate with two P-3C maritime patrol aircraft to guard ships heading for Japanese ports.  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government said it is prepared to authorize force to protect ships in danger - a controversial decision because Japan's war-renouncing constitution forbids the use of military force to settle international disputes. Japan’s Self Defence Force Member and commander of the mission Yosuke Inaba said the crew members on board are well prepared and will work together to gather intelligence to ensure the safety of Japanese ships.