JS Yūbetsu (DE-228)

JS Yūbetsu (DE-228) was a Japanese destroyer escort of the Yūbari-class (also sometimes referred to as the Modified Chikugo-class). She served in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from 1984 until her decommissioning in 2005.

The Yūbari-class destroyer escorts were designed to provide anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and general-purpose escort duties. The Yūbetsu, like her sister ship Yūbari (DE-227), featured a streamlined design intended to reduce radar cross-section, an early effort in Japanese naval design towards improved stealth capabilities.

She was equipped with a suite of sensors and weapons systems appropriate for her ASW role, including sonar, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets. She also carried a 76mm gun for surface engagement and air defense. The Yūbetsu participated in numerous exercises and patrols during her service life, contributing to the defense of Japan and regional maritime security. Following her decommissioning, she was likely scrapped or used for training purposes, as is typical for retired JMSDF vessels.