Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Becomes The First Serving Japanese Leader To Board U.S. Aircraft Carrier
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe boarded the USS Ronald Raegan on Sunday, making him the first serving Japanese leader to board a US aircraft carrier. The USS Ronald Raegan reportedly arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture this month.
The gesture reportedly aims to portray the military alliance between Japan and the United States, Japan Times noted.
Reports have revealed that the Japanese prime minister attended a Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Review that was held in Sagami Bay, wherein Abe called the USS Ronald Raegan a friend that responded after Japan suffered from earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
Abe says, "[USS Ronald Raegan is] a tomodachi [friend] who rushed to the rescue at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. I give it a hearty welcome."
USA Today reported that flat-deck warships were displayed during the Fleet Review in Tokyo. Aside from that, 36 warships and a number of military aircraft were shown on the naval show.
Reuters forecasted that the Japanese Fleet Review "was the first major display of Japanese military hardware since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won lawmaker approval for legislation that for the first time since World War Two will allow Japanese soldiers to defend their foreign allies."
During the review, the Japanese prime minister reiterates a vow for Japan's military to take part in world affairs.
"By highly hoisting the flag of proactive pacifism, I'm determined to contribute more than ever to world peace and prosperity," Abe says.
He also urges the Japanese troops to "further fulfill" their responsibilities "in order to hand over to children a warless and peaceful Japan."
Vice Admiral Nora Tyson was sent by the US Navy to join Japanese prime minister for the Japanese Fleet Review.
"Admiral Tyson's presence here is just a recognition that we are trying to be as flexible as possible to keep as many options on the table as possible so that we can be as responsive as possible," Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson says.
