Japan-America Society Leaders Tour USS Essex

April 15, 2006

Sasebo - A day after briefings on the role of the US Navy base at Sasebo, Japan-America Society leaders toured the USS Essex, which is forward-deployed to the Sasebo Navy base. The tour helped the leaders to see for themselves what US Navy personnel do when they are at sea, and increased their understanding of the Navy's role in the defense of Japan and in maintaining stability in the Asian region. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the Essex's medical unit, which includes a 20-bed ICU and a 200-bed hospital.