Hideki Yuasa

is a retired Japanese naval officer who served as Commander of the Self Defense Fleet of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from 25 August 2020 until his retirement on 23 December 2022. He was the 51st Commander of the Self-Defense Fleet, succeeding Hiroyuki Kasui.

Career Yuasa was born in Tokushima Prefecture in February 1964. In March 1986, he graduated from the 30th class of the National Defense Academy, where he studied electrical engineering, and joined the Maritime Self-Defense Force. His branch specialisation was surface warfare.

In March 2001, he worked at the Equipment System Division of the Maritime Staff Office.

In August 2002, he was assigned to the role of Captain aboard destroyer Mineyuki.

In August 2003, he joined the National Institute for Defense Studies staff.

In July 2004, he worked in the Assistant Division of the Maritime Staff Office.

In January 2005, he was promoted to commander (1st class kaisa).

In August 2007, he worked at the Equipment System Division, Maritime Staff Office. In December of the same year, he was assigned to the Maritime Staff Office Equipment System Division Ship System Group Leader.

In March 2008, he was assigned to the role of Commander of the 14th Escort Division.

In March 2010, General Manager, Deputy Division, Personnel Education Department, Maritime Staff Office. In August of the same year, Assistant Manager, Personnel Education Department, Maritime Staff Office.

In December 2011, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and became Commander of the 2nd Escort Flotilla. During his tenure, he served in 2013 as the Self-Defense Forces' training controller for the "Dawn Blitz 13" joint exercise with United States forces.

In December 2013, he was the Training Squadron Commander.

In December 2014, Director of Training Department, National Defense Academy.

In March 2016, he became Commander of the Mine Warfare Force; during his tenure the force's amphibious warfare units were reorganised, including the transfer of the 1st Transport Division under its command in July 2016.

He retired from the JMSDF on 23 December 2022.

Awards