Navy makes sailors go dry in Japan, bans alcohol

(Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

(Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

Sailors in Japan will not be able to get a drink anywhere in the island nation.

The Navy has banned drinking for all sailors and canceled all off-base liberty for those stationed in Japan after a sailor on leave on Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after two people were hurt in a car crash, Reuters reported.

According to a press release from the commander of U.S. naval forces in Japan, all U.S. sailors serving in Japan will be limited to the base and banned from drinking until "all personnel understand the impact" of their behavior.

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Rear Admiral Matthew Carter said in a press release that those sailors living off base can travel to and from base and leave their residences for "essential activities," Reuters reported.

The new rules do not apply to Navy families and contractors in Japan, but they are being encouraged to comply "in a spirit of solidarity," Reuters reported.

Many people living on Okinawa want the U.S. Navy off of their island, the BBC reported.

The Navy has 18,600 sailors stationed in Japan, Reuters reported.