USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT MAKES RARE YOKOSUKA VISIT AHEAD OF MAJOR US - JAPAN EXERCISE

What happened: The USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Tokyo Bay on Friday, the first visiting U.S. carrier to dock at the 7th Fleet homeport in more than four years, ahead of the Keen Sword exercise. Key numbers: Keen Sword scheduled Oct. 19-29. Carrier Strike Group 9 has about 5,000 sailors and Marines. Why it matters: The visit drew protests from three local groups citing risks of nuclear-powered warships. After Keen Sword, the carrier is expected to deploy to the Middle East, possibly relieving the USS George Washington.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Tokyo Bay on Friday, the first visiting U.S. carrier to dock at the 7th Fleet homeport in more than four years, ahead of the Keen Sword exercise.

The visit drew protests from three local groups citing risks of nuclear-powered warships. After Keen Sword, the carrier is expected to deploy to the Middle East, possibly relieving the USS George Washington.