YOKOSUKA, Japan –
Commander, Seventh Fleet and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) have issued a new liberty policy which applies to all Sailors assigned to or visiting Japan.
The policy changes some previous terminology classifying an individual Sailor’s liberty status from Class A, B and C into liberty tiers. The change in terminology makes Navy liberty status consistent with Marines stationed in Japan.
Additionally, the new CNFJ policy requires contains several Okinawa-specific provisions. Under that guidance, Sailors will be required to carry liberty cards beginning 1 September. Sailors TAD to Okinawa will be required to carry a copy of their TAD orders. Also, Sailors will not be permitted overnight liberty south of Camp Kinser and Highway 38, unless approved by an authorized commander.
Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) and Rear Adm. Matthew Carter, CNFJ announced the new policy in a joint message to Japan-based forces 31 August. The policy consolidates previous liberty guidance into one document.
Aucoin said the importance of successful execution of liberty is more important than ever in Japan.
“This policy is part of our continued commitment to remind our Sailors that liberty is a mission, especially in Japan,” he said. “Everyone should understand our mission requires us to be good ambassadors and neighbors. If we fail at this mission, it negatively impacts our ability to ‘fight tonight’ and carry out our nation’s business.”