U.S. nuclear-powered carrier calls at southern Japanese port

The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, called southern Japan's Sasebo port in Nagasaki Prefecture on Saturday.

The 102,000-ton carrier, the latest-model of its kind, is to stay at the port for five days to provide rest and replenish supplies for its more than 5,000 crewmen, Kyodo News said.

U.S. commanders of the aircraft carrier described the port call as a promotion of exchanges with local residents and a demonstration of the United States' commitment to protect Japan.

The aircraft carrier will operate in the western Pacific on standby after leaving Sasebo, reports said.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mustin, which is equipped with the most advanced Aegis missile guidance system, will also make a call at southern Japan's Nagasaki Port in early March.

The Nagasaki prefectural and city governments opposed the plan, saying the port call will stirs concerns and complex feelings among atomic-bomb victims and citizens of the bomb site.

Source: Xinhuaoperation accords with the island republic.

Source: Xinhua