lieutenant-commander (JMSDF)
Specific rank in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, equivalent to a lieutenant-commander in many navies.
He was promoted to lieutenant-commander last year.
As a lieutenant-commander, he serves as the executive officer of a destroyer.
三等海佐 is a JMSDF-specific rank; 中佐 is the equivalent rank in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
二等海佐 is the next higher rank in the JMSDF, equivalent to a commander.
Standard kanji spelling for this JMSDF rank.
Variant using Arabic numeral ３ instead of 三; less common but still seen.
Compound of 三等 (third class) + 海佐 (naval field officer), following the JMSDF rank naming pattern.