The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt entered Tokyo Bay on Friday, becoming the first U.S. carrier to berth at Yokosuka Naval Base in more than four years. The vessel, homeported in San Diego, arrived alongside the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin and the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur around 9 a.m., taking the same slip previously used by the USS George Washington, which is currently operating in the Middle East.

The carrier’s arrival precedes the scheduled Keen Sword exercise, a bilateral U.S.-Japan drill running from October 19 to 29. After refueling and maintenance, the ships will join the exercise, which involves approximately 5,000 personnel from Carrier Strike Group 9, according to a Navy statement.

Capt. Will Mathis, the Roosevelt’s commanding officer, said in the release that such port visits support crew welfare and operational preparedness, enabling seamless coordination with allied forces during the upcoming drills.

Local civic groups have voiced opposition to the deployment, citing concerns over nuclear safety and potential incidents involving U.S. personnel. In a statement attributed to attorney Masahiko Goto, the organizations warned that seismic activity or tsunamis could elevate the risk of a nuclear incident at the base. They also referenced recent disturbances, including the October 4 arrest of Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard in Okinawa on suspicion of robbery and homicide, though Ballard has denied the allegations.

U.S. service members in Okinawa are currently under a monthlong curfew and heightened gate monitoring, though similar restrictions have not been imposed on the visiting strike group. Personnel are expected to adhere to standard liberty regulations and demonstrate respect for local communities, as noted in the Navy’s announcement.

Following Keen Sword, the Theodore Roosevelt is slated to operate in the Middle East, where it may assume duties currently held by the George Washington.