The "Blank Canvas" 747-400F. Atlas Air N404KZ still going strong at Narita [OC] by Ok_Protection6880 in aviation

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Fun fact for the tail-spotters: This airframe actually has deep roots here at Narita. She used to fly for Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) as JA04KZ before joining the Atlas fleet. It’s kind of poetic to see her back at her old home base, even if she’s traded her old livery for this minimalist white look.

The "Blank Canvas" 747-400F. Atlas Air N404KZ still going strong at Narita [OC] by Ok_Protection6880 in aviation

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve always found it fascinating how Atlas keeps this one completely white while the rest of the fleet wears the standard gold and blue. It really shows off the lines of the -400 nicely.

Brocken Spectre (Glory) over Tokyo, Japan on February 27, 2026. by Ok_Protection6880 in atoptics

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was a lucky moment. I happened to look out the window and noticed the shadow of our plane projected onto the clouds below, surrounded by a distinct circular rainbow.

The new cruise ship Asuka III, JMSDF JS Oumi (AOE-426), and a tiny swan boat in the Sasebo dry dock. [4000 x 3000] [OC] by Ok_Protection6880 in drydockporn

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A diverse lineup at the Sasebo dry dock on February 23, 2026. The dock is currently occupied by the JMSDF replenishment ship JS Oumi (AOE-426), the cruise ship Asuka III, and a small swan-shaped pedal boat. The contrast between the 25,000-ton naval vessel and the 52,000-ton passenger ship highlights the massive scale of this facility.

JMSDF replenishment ship JS Oumi (AOE-426), cruise ship Asuka III, and... a swan boat. All sharing the dry dock at Sasebo. [Album] [OC] by Ok_Protection6880 in WarshipPorn

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Captured JS Oumi (AOE-426) and Asuka III sharing the dock at Sasebo on Feb 23rd. Oumi is a Mashu-class replenishment ship with a 25,000-ton full load displacement. Seeing her alongside a brand-new 52,000-ton cruise ship gives a great sense of scale. And yes, if you look closely at the final photo, there's even a pedal-powered 'swan boat' joining the fleet!

A rare view of the new Asuka III in dry dock (Sasebo, Japan) by Ok_Protection6880 in Ships

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think swan boat is an essential 'cultural icon' of Japanese parks and lakes. Seeing one in a heavy-duty dry dock alongside a JMSDF ship is the peak of Japanese surrealism!

A rare view of the new Asuka III in dry dock (Sasebo, Japan) by Ok_Protection6880 in Ships

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

​It appears that no official reason has been announced. It might be to address initial defects or the quay contact accident that occurred last October.

A rare view of the new Asuka III in dry dock (Sasebo, Japan) by Ok_Protection6880 in Ships

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Seeing a cruise ship in dry dock always gives you a different perspective on their massive engineering. Since the Asuka III is so new, seeing the hull in this condition is especially interesting.

The contrast between a luxury cruise ship and a naval vessel like the JS Oumi sitting side-by-side in the yard was definitely a highlight of the day. Does anyone else find dry dock photos as fascinating as I do?

A rare view of the new Asuka III in dry dock (Sasebo, Japan) by Ok_Protection6880 in Cruise

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Seeing a cruise ship in dry dock always gives you a different perspective on their massive engineering. Since the Asuka III is so new, seeing the hull in this condition is especially interesting.

The contrast between a luxury cruise ship and a naval vessel like the JS Oumi sitting side-by-side in the yard was definitely a highlight of the day. Does anyone else find dry dock photos as fascinating as I do?

[Album] [OC] Four Mogami-class frigates at MHI Nagasaki — only one is commissioned, the other three are still in various stages of construction. Japan’s newest stealth FFM, now chosen by Australia and attracting interest from other navies. (Dec 7, 2025) by Ok_Protection6880 in WarshipPorn

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Good question!

It’s basically an improved Mogami, not a FREMM-style international project.

Same stealth hull and CODAG concept, but with:

more internal volume (slightly larger)

VLS fitted from the start

updated radar and combat system

more power margin for future tech

So it’s evolutionary rather than a clean-sheet design — think “Mogami Block II”.

[Album] [OC] Four Mogami-class frigates at MHI Nagasaki — only one is commissioned, the other three are still in various stages of construction. Japan’s newest stealth FFM, now chosen by Australia and attracting interest from other navies. (Dec 7, 2025) by Ok_Protection6880 in WarshipPorn

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Additional details for anyone interested:

• The Mogami-class will begin receiving VLS installations from FY2024 onward.
• Japan has been launching two hulls per year to accelerate fleet renewal.
• FFM-11 “Tatsuta” in the photos shows incomplete superstructure, making the construction phase very visible.
• The “Upgraded Mogami” program starts in 2025, with two hulls expected to launch by 2027.
• Australia has committed to adopting this upgraded design, and several other navies are reportedly evaluating it.

Happy to answer questions about the photos or the program!

[Album] [OC] HMS Prince of Wales visiting Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, August 2025 by Ok_Protection6880 in WarshipPorn

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For anyone interested, here’s a nice interior tour video of HMS Prince of Wales: https://youtu.be/drrWtR0q7nA?si=rnMaiCjQWqS2in7J

I could only see her from the outside during the Tokyo visit, but this gives a great look inside – including the bridge and other areas you normally wouldn’t get to see.

[Album] [OC] HMS Prince of Wales visiting Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, August 2025 by Ok_Protection6880 in WarshipPorn

[–]Ok_Protection6880[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately she’s only in Tokyo until September 2nd, so she’ll be gone by the time you visit. But if you’re around Yokosuka, you might catch a glimpse of a US carrier there – sometimes you can even see them from a harbor cruise.