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CAPT Tomoaki NAKANO (USJLP 2019, 2024) is an active-duty officer in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Over a 21-year career, he spent most of his time at sea, serving on seven naval ships and at two task group headquarters. From 2022 to 2023, he commanded the destroyer JS Fuyuzuki. His service ashore includes key positions such as an operational staff at the Japan-led multinational counterpiracy headquarters in Bahrain and Senior Aide to the Chief of Staff, JMSDF. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of the Policy and Plans Section at the Maritime Staff Office.

He majored in Ethical Studies at Tokyo University and earned a master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Services. He later obtained a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, graduating as the top-ranking international student and receiving the Admiral Arleigh Burke Award for Academic Excellence.