On January 24, State Minister of Defense Oniki received a courtesy call from the newly appointed Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Admiral William J. Houston. ADM Houston is responsible for the propulsion system of the U.S. nuclear-powered naval ships and submarines and manages the entire process from design to disposal of the system.
State Minister Oniki welcomed his visit and congraturated ADM Houston for his appointment.
Moreover, they exchanged views on defense cooperation between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF, and confirmed the importance of close ties for further strengthening Japan-U.S. Alliance.
Furthermore, given that USS George Washington will be forward deployed to Yokosuka this year, replacing USS Ronald Regan, SMOD Oniki requested that the U.S. Navy continue to maintain a high standard of safety for their nuclear powered vessels.