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One of the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers has docked in Japan at the start of a deployment that will strengthen the capability of the Seventh Fleet in Asia and boost ties between the United States and its closest regional ally.
With a crew of 5,000 sailors and a compliment of around 80 aircraft, USS Ronald Reagan is equipped with the latest targeting and defence radars, integrated weapons systems and command and communications technology.
The USS Ronald Reagan’s deployment marks an upgrade, as the USS George Washington, the carrier it has replaced in Japan, had less advanced systems and technology.

"Just like a new car we have the latest and greatest, we have GPS, we have the back up mirror so we can see what is behind us," Captain Chris Bolt, the carrier’s commander, told a separate press briefing on the dock at Yokosuka naval base.
"We have some tremendous command and control capabilities."
In a tilt towards Asia, the United States is rebalancing its forces, deploying 60 percent of its navy to the region, including its most advanced vessels.

Last month, in a retreat from 70 years of state pacifism, Japanese lawmakers approved legislation that would enable Japan’s military to fight overseas for the first time since the second world war.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is pursuing a doctrine of collective self defence with allies meant to give his nation a bigger role in regional security in order to counterbalance the military power of an increasingly assertive China.
The changes enacted last month are expected to lead to enhanced cooperation between the Japanese and US navies.
"We have many, many exercises that we do, we are very inter-operable because of our equipment and our training. So, we think that these new measures will deepen that, will strengthen that, and will make us better together," Ray Mabus, the US Secretary of the Navy, told a press briefing in Yokohama.



With eye on China, US deploys more advanced aircraft carrier to Japan

US sailors on the deck of the USS Ronald Reagan form the  Japanese greeting "Hajimemashite" meaning "nice to meet you" as the ship approaches its new home port. Photo: Kyodo

Crew members stand at attention on the carrier desk. Photo: Reuters 

The USS Ronald Reagan, carrying about 5,000 crewmembers, replaces the USS George Washington, which was the first US nuclear-powered warship based in Japan, where atomic weapons are a sensitive issue. Photo: Kyodo

A sailor reunites with his family after he arrives at the US naval base in Yokosuka. Photo: AFP

US sailors sue Fukushima nuclear plant operator for faking radiation data

Sailors standing guard on the flight deck of carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Workers removing spent fuel at the the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Okuma, Japan. Photo: AP

US Navy claim aircraft carriers ensure ‘bigger influence’ and points to China as proof

Family members of US sailors on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington wave goodbye as it leaves the US naval base in Yokosuka, 60 kms south of Tokyo. Photo: AFP

Expanded force supports US 'pivot' to Asia, says admiral

A US fighter jet lands on the USS George Washington in the South China Sea. The warship heads the US Navy's largest carrier strike group, which is based in Japan. Photo: AFP

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