TOKYO, April 15 (UPI) -- The commander of U.S. military forces in Japan has promised to clamp down on crime and unruly behavior on the part of his troops.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Edward Rice told reporters in Tokyo Monday he would ensure that his personnel adhered to the "the highest-standards of behavior." Rice's vow follows a recent spate of crimes allegedly involving U.S. servicemen in Japan.
"The vast majority of tens of thousands of U.S. service members and their families who are stationed and live here in Japan conduct themselves in a way that we are proud of, and I know that," Rice said.
The Japan Times said the alleged crimes included an alleged rape on Okinawa and a deadly taxi robbery in Yokosuka.
The high-profile incidents came at a time when Japanese opposition parties are campaigning against reauthorization of a bill that obligates Japan to share the costs of maintaining U.S. bases on its soil.
