Navy Bans Drinking in Japan Amid DUI Scandal

The U.S. Navy has banned its personnel in Japan from drinking alcohol after a sailor was arrested for allegedly driving drunk. A 21-year-old, identified as Aimee Mejia, prompted public outrage in Okinawa on Sunday after causing a multiple-vehicle collision. Mejia was arrested by authorities after driving the wrong way on a freeway and crashing into two other vehicles. Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga condemned the incident and said misbehavior by U.S. military personnel was a recurring problem that requires a “fundamental resolution.” U.S. Navy authorities reacted promptly, issuing a ban early Monday on drinking both on and off base. The order also prohibits personnel from coming and going from the base as they please.