U.S. Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Encounters Protests upon Arriving Japan

The advanced aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan that the U.S. deployed to boost presence in western Pacific arrived at the port of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Thursday morning.

The Ronald Reagan, which was scheduled to arrive at the navy base on Friday, is the fifth U.S. carrier that deployed in Yokosuka since 1973 following the Midway, the Independence, the Kitty Hawk and the George Washington.

While the Japanese government welcomes the Ronald Regan’s arrival, local residents expressed opposition against the arrival of the Ronald Reagan over its two nuclear reactors and possible disciplines violation by its servicemen.

Capt. Chris Bolt, commanding officer of the Ronald Reagan, was quoted at a press conference by local report that the vessel had an "excellent" safety record and followed rules and regulations that were "the most rigorous in the world."

Serious crimes such as rape, trespassing and drunk driving committed by U.S. servicemen in Japan were reported in recent years and triggered a tough curfew and liquor-ban order in late 2012. (Photo from Web of US Navy)