TOKYO (Sputnik) – According to the text of the order, the US personnel is forbidden to drink alcohol both on the territory of the military bases and outside them. The movement of US sailors who live outside bases will now be limited to traveling to and from work, transportation of children, trips to the grocery stores, gas stations and gyms, the order, published on the US Naval Forces Japan website said.
"These measures are not taken lightly. For decades, we have enjoyed a strong relationship with the people of Japan. It is imperative that each Sailor understand how our actions affect that relationship, and the US-Japan Alliance as a whole," Rear Adm. Matthew Carter said as quoted on the website.
The restriction of movement will remain in place until all personnel goes through extra training, while the ban on alcohol consumption will not be lifted until officials "are comfortable that all personnel understand the impact of responsible behavior," the order said.
The measures come after on Saturday, a US servicewoman from the Kadena Air Base in the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa injured two people in a reported drunk driving incident.
The US command of the military bases in Okinawa has previously introduced a curfew for the personnel serving in the region, to be implemented from May 27 and until June 24, after last month a former US Marine Kenneth Franklin was arrested on suspicion of stabbing and strangling a 20-year-old Japanese woman near the base. Franklin has reportedly admitted to committing the murder.
