U.S. nuclear carrier Ronald Reagan arrives at Japan amid local protest

U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan on Thursday arrived at Yokosuka in southwest of Tokyo amid local residents' opposition to replace another Nimitz- class nuclear carrier of George Washington, which left Japan in May.

The Ronald Reagan, which was scheduled to arrive at the navy base on Friday, is the fifth U.S. carrier that deployed in Yokosuka since 1973 following the Midway, the Independence, the Kitty Hawk and the George Washington.

The nuclear-powered carrier was commissioned in 2003 and is approximately 97,000 tons and 333 meters long. The carrier carries about 5,000 personnel and could accommodate more than 80 aircraft.

In 2011, the Ronald Reagan took part in the disaster relief mission coded the Operation of Tomodachi to help Japan cope with the aftermath triggered by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in the island country's northeastern part.

The Japanese government expressed its welcome to the deployment. However, local residents expressed opposition against the arrival of the Ronald Reagan over its two nuclear reactors and possible disciplines violation by its servicemen.

Capt. Chris Bolt, commanding officer of the Ronald Reagan, was quoted at a press conference by local report that the vessel had an "excellent" safety record and followed rules and regulations that were "the most rigorous in the world."

Serious crimes such as rape, trespassing and drunk driving committed by U.S. servicemen in Japan were reported in recent years and triggered a tough curfew and liquor-ban order in late 2012. Endi