A rank in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, equivalent to a commander in many navies.
He was promoted to commander last year.
As a commander, he served as the executive officer of a destroyer.
One rank higher: captain (JMSDF).
One rank lower: lieutenant commander (JMSDF).
Standard kanji form for this JMSDF rank.
Variant using numeral ２; less common but seen in some contexts.
Compound of 二等 (second class) + 海佐 (naval field officer), a rank created for the JMSDF.