Special section: USS George Washingon at Yokosuka: ‘It’s a historic event’

See Stripes' coverage of the ship's arrival at Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The news came in 2005: The nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS George Washington was headed to the Far East.

It would be the first nuclear-powered ship forward-deployed to Japan.

In the days, months and years following the announcement, the carrier’s future arrival prompted glowing words about "a new age" in Pacific security from proponents, referendum votes and rallies from opponents. It prompted new exchanges between U.S. and Japanese leaders. Stateside, Japanese leaders and media were taken on Navy-led trips to see the American view of nuclear-propulsion ships.

In Japan, to show "openness" and "cooperation" with their Japanese allies, Navy leaders participated for the first time in emergency drills where the scenario was "leaked coolant water" from the USS George Washington.

The announced arrival of the carrier even prompted the creation of a Japanese-style comic book to explain ship life to the Japanese public.

"It’s a historic event," said Commander U.S. Forces Japan spokesman Cmdr. Ron Steiner last month after the ship left San Diego’s North Island and headed this way. "We look forward to having more capabilities for the Japanese-American alliance."

At the base, numerous preparations have been made — for both the carrier and the people assigned to it.

"The base has never had the experience of getting 2,700 new people at once," said Fleet and Family Support Center Work and Family Life specialist Angela LeMay. "It’s now a matter of welcoming them into our community."

Japanese businesses outside base gates also are putting on their game faces for the shot in the arm of new customers.

More than 40 businesses recently put "base-friendly" stickers in their windows "that will help the George Washington sailors and families learn where to go," said base community relations specialist Kyoko Sugita.

Local bars also have been put on alert for the spike of liberty incidents statistically associated with the arrival of a new aircraft carrier, said Yokosuka’s commanding officer Capt. Daniel Weed.

"The base will be offering extended hours at the Navy Exchange and MWR when the ship comes in," Weed said, adding that putting a couple bars off-limits this summer has already cut incidents drastically.

"Some of the bars even make PA announcements, telling people to go home," he said.

As for the George Washington’s families, they are more than ready for their ship to come in, as many arrived ahead of the carrier.

Spouse Erica Curtin arrived in April. If she could, she said, she would tell the sailors and lingering families in the States to get here as soon as they can.

"I would tell them, ‘Hurry up — you’re missing the fun.’" Curtin said.

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