noun
escort vessel; destroyer (JMSDF)
In the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, this term officially designates destroyers and other large escort ships, though it literally means 'escort vessel'.
海上自衛隊の護衛艦「いずも」は、事実上の空母としても運用可能だ。
The JMSDF escort vessel 'Izumo' can also be operated as a de facto aircraft carrier.
護
Escort vessels are responsible for fleet air defense and anti-submarine patrols.
Compound of 護衛 (goei, 'escort, guard') and 艦 (kan, 'warship').