More than 200 personnel from the U.S. and Japan participated in a joint emergency drill on December 18, 2025, at Yokosuka Naval Base, simulating a low-level radiation leak aboard the USS George Washington. The exercise, now in its 18th year, aimed to enhance coordination and communication in response to potential nuclear incidents, addressing public concerns surrounding nuclear-powered warships. While the scenario involved minimal radiation exposure, an activist group criticized the drill as inadequate, urging for more realistic training akin to that of nuclear power plants. The U.S. Navy maintains that its nuclear vessels have never encountered reactor accidents, emphasizing robust safeguards to prevent such incidents. This exercise underscores ongoing public unease in Japan regarding nuclear safety following historical events.