US Navy Destroyer To Visit Japan’s Ishigaki Island For the First Time

U.S. Navy missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta plans to call at Ishigaki Port in Okinawa from March 11 to 14.

This would be the first-ever visit by an American destroyer to this politically sensitive islandon Japan’s southwestern Nansei Island chain.

The visit of the U.S. destroyer could draw strong opposition not only from China but also from Okinawans.

USS Rafael Peralta is scheduled to enter the port at 9 a.m. on March 11 and depart at 9 a.m. on March 14 for rest and replenishment.

Mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer visited Ishigaki Port from September 7 to 8, 2023, during routine training.

Pacifist organisations and labour unions organised by harbour workers protested against the U.S. warships’ visits to the port on the island.

Okinawa was the site of a fierce battle during World War II between Japan and the U.S. pacifist activities remain strong there.