The San Diego-based USS Ronald Reagan is leaving Japan, military officials tell the Wall Street Journal. According to the WSJ, the Ronald Reagan strike group will leave northeastern Japan as part of a drawdown by the U.S. military prompted by the success of relief efforts by our troops. At one point, there were as many as 12,750 sailors in the Navy's 7th Fleet that were participating in Operation Tomodachi. Now:
The Stars and Stripes reports the Reagan's departure marks the beginning of a new phase of Operation Tomodachi:
The Reagan posted video on its Facebook page of yesterday's visit to the ship by Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa. Kitazawa boarded the ship to say thank you to its crew for the vast amount of help and support the Reagan has provided the people of Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LuMFgPycYM
