Japan: US Navy bans drinking for 18,600 sailors, restricts outings

Japanese protesting against U.S. military presence in Okinawa. Pic: AP.

 7th June 2016 |

THE U.S. Navy has banned alcohol consumption and restricted off-base activity for 18,600 of its personnel based in Japan following public outrage over the recent arrest of a sailor who was arrested for alleged drink driving in Okinawa prefecture.

According to the Japan Times, the American were confined to their bases and banned from drinking starting Monday. The alcohol ban will be enforced indefinitely.

The directive applies to all sailors based in or transiting through the country, while civilian contractors and family members have also been urged to comply with the order voluntarily.

The arrest of Petty Officer 2nd Class Aimee Mejia, who is assigned to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, was the latest in a string of incidents which have added to public discontent over the presence of the foreign military.

Spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Japan Cmdr. Ronald Flanders said: “We have recognized a problem, we’re owning it, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure that every one of our sailors understands how important our behavior is to the alliance and to our relationship to the people of Japan.”

SEE ALSO: Japan angered by US military worker’s involvement in Okinawa woman’s murder

Flanders said the new restriction will apply until all personnel have received new training that emphasizes an off-duty code of conduct and preventive intervention.

“The alcohol restriction will remain in effect until the commander of the 7th Fleet and the commander of Naval Forces Japan determine that all personnel have fully embraced their responsibilities of being a U.S. ambassador at all times,” Flanders said

Mejia was arrested after allegedly driving in the wrong lane and hitting two cars. The accident injured two locals.

Mejia is being held by Japanese police on suspicion of drunken driving.

SEE ALSO: Japan: 2 US Navy sailors convicted in Okinawa rape