Abe Becomes First Japanese Prime Minister to Board on U.S. Aircraft Carrier

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has attended on a naval review of the Self-Defense Forces on Sunday and then boarded on Ronald Reagan which only deployed in this month. He became the very first incumbent Japanese prime minister to be on board on a U.S. aircraft carrier.

Abe got into the American aircraft carrier with Japanese self-defence helicopter around 4 p.m. He received warm welcome and instruction from captain Chris Bolt. Abe has inspected the facility such as bridge and hanger. The Japanese prime minister even put himself in a driving seat of the cockpit.

Ronald Reagan is one of the ten nuclear power generated aircraft carrier and deployed at Yokosuka base in Kanagawa prefecture to replace an older aircraft carrier. It has been part of the Tomodachi operation at the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster occurred back in 2011.

Abe has spoken to reporters, "This aircraft carrier has been part of the Tomodachi operation when Japan needed help from other countries. This is a symbol of the great relationship between Japan and the U.S. This wan made possible with the work done by former Japanese prime minister Yasuhiro Nakasone who served for 6 years in 1980's and former U.S. president Ronald Reagan who were also serving in 1980's.  As Japan, we would like to welcome the new aircraft carrier to be in service in our country."

This move is apparently aimed to show off the relationship between the two countries' enhanced alliance as Japan has recently developed new security laws. It was the first time since World War II to change the security law as Japanese government felt the needs for developing it together as time moves on. The strengthened relationship with the U.S. will allow Japan to make sure the safety of the country.

News Source: NHK