The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk left its forward-deployed port of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Friday morning for an undisclosed destination, escorted by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The MSDF said the escort is part of its antiterrorism activities, which have been heightened since the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington. However, escorting a U.S. ship on a military operation is not covered by the Self-Defense Forces Law.
MSDF ships were patrolling nearby, Defense Agency Director General Gen Nakatani said Friday. The activity was based on "research and necessary study" allowed by the Defense Agency law.
As the carrier departed, the Japan Coast Guard deployed 37 patrol boats and four helicopters around the port. A yacht manned by members of a citizens' group protested the U.S. flattop's departure, displaying a banner that read "Don't Kill."