SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — Fifteen Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships are to gather in Sasebo on Thursday until May 28 to conduct an annual exercise to improve JMSDF operational capabilities.

The exercise last was held in Sasebo in April 1999, according to a Japanese newspaper. The ships will stay in Sasebo Harbor while crew members take part in conferences, classes and training.

Seven ships, including Aegis-equipped destroyers JDS Kongo and JDS Chokai, will participate. About 3,700 servicemembers are involved in the exercise.

The JDS Sawakaze and JDS Sawagiri are to be open to the public Saturday and Sunday. The JDS Haruyuki and Sawagiri plan a friendship cruise on May 28.