On the 11th, a U.S. Navy Aegis ship entered Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture for the first time for replenishment.
Locally, the dockers' union has been on strike since 1pm in protest, and the impact could spread to logistics on the island.
The U.S. Navy's Aegis ship "Rafael Peralta" entered Ishigaki Island.
Based on the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, the U.S. military approached Ishigaki City from the 11th to enter Ishigaki Port for the purpose of replenishing supplies and resting the crew, but the city initially refused permission, citing that there was no quay that could be used safely. The ship was then allowed to berth offshore and entered the port on the morning of the 11th.
This Aegis ship is equipped with anti-aircraft missiles and cruise missiles, and according to Okinawa Prefecture, this is the first time a US military Aegis ship has entered a port in the prefecture that is used for civilian purposes, including Ishigaki Island. .
According to officials, the ship will remain at anchor until the 13th, during which time the crew is scheduled to come ashore and visit local facilities.
Okinawa Prefecture is requesting that the U.S. military refrain from entering the port, which is used by civilians except in emergencies, and a labor union formed by dock workers will hold a protest at Ishigaki Port from 1 p.m. on the 11th. They are on strike and the impact could spread to logistics on the island.