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Hundreds protest US carrier arrival in Japan
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-25 14:31 YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Slogan-shouting protesters lined the harbor and flag-waving supporters crowded the dock as the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived at its new home port just south of Tokyo on Thursday.
The giant warship's arrival, delayed by a fire aboard the ship in May, brought out hundreds of supporters and demonstrators, though the two groups were kept well apart and no clashes were reported. The George Washington, which can carry a crew of up to 5,600 and 70 aircraft, will become the US Navy's only carrier with a home port outside of the United States. The USS Kitty Hawk, which it replaces, is to be decommissioned. The demonstrators say the ship poses a threat to Tokyo because of the possibility of an accident in its nuclear reactor. They also are opposed to the increase in sailors who will be deployed to Yokosuka as a result of the ship swap, and say the carrier could make Yokosuka a target if hostilities break out between the United States and another country. "We should not have a nuclear reactor, surrounded by ammunition and highly flammable jet fuel, located right outside of our most populated city," said Masahiko Goto, a local lawyer who has led protests against the ship. But Donald Winter, the US secretary of the Navy, said the deployment of the ship demonstrates the US commitment to its alliance with Japan and the US 7th Fleet, which is based here. "The 7th Fleet serves to defend Japan and deter war throughout the region," he said in a welcoming ceremony replete with brass bands, hot dogs and a baby-kissing ceremony. "By providing one of our newest and most capable carriers, the George Washington, to the 7th Fleet, we are demonstrating our commitment to the US-Japan alliance." |
