YOKOSUKA (WAVY) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin went onboard USS George Washington right after its deployment to Japan. This comes within just a few weeks after two sailors died shortly after the ship arrived in Yokosuka.
Addressing the thousands of crew members on board, Austin expressed how critical their presence is on this part of the earth.
“When America wants to send the message that it cares, it sends typically sends a US Navy Vessel,” Austin said. “When America wants to send the message that it really cares, it sends a carrier. A carrier battle group.”
Taking some time to chat with the press, Austin answered questions about the situation in Syria.
“ISIS could try to take advantage of this opportunity and regain capability,” Austin said. “We’ve been tracking ISIS as a part of our defeat ISIS campaign for some time as you know. We’ve seen some cells try to strengthen and develop additional capability out in the Bidiya Desert.”
He also touched on the investment our forces are making in neighboring countries when asked by reporters about China potentially taking future action in Taiwan.
“We will continue to help Taiwan attain the capability that it needs to defend itself,” Austin said. “That’s been our word throughout.”
Austin said there is a lot of speculation about Chinese President Xi Jinping. In his words, he does not think an attack in Taiwan is imminent or unavoidable.
USS George Washington spent six years in Hampton Roads for maintenance before being sent to Yokosuka.
