The U.S. Navy on Friday lifted a restriction confining sailors to bases while off duty, four days after it curtailed their liberty following a drunken-driving incident in Okinawa.
However, an alcohol ban remains in place for all sailors based in Japan and those passing through, commanders said in a written statement.
The statement said the restriction will remain in effect until training that "deglamorizes" alcohol is complete and all personnel "fully understand their responsibilities as ambassadors of the United States." The comments were attributed to Rear Adm. Matthew Carter, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan.