U.S. commander regrets Okinawan rape

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NAHA, Japan, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The commander of U.S. naval forces in Japan apologized Tuesday for the alleged rape of a Japanese woman by two sailors on Okinawa, officials said.

Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd made the apology during a 15-minute meeting with Okinawa Vice Gov. Kanetoshi Yoseda, Stars and Stripes reported.

"On behalf of the United States Navy and all forces in Japan, please accept my deepest, most sincere and most heartfelt apologies," Cloyd said.

Seaman Christopher Browning and Petty Officer 3rd Class Skyler Dozierwalker, both 23-year-old reservists from Texas, are suspected of attacking and raping a woman walking home from work in central Okinawa at about 4 a.m. Oct. 16.

They remain in Japanese custody.

Following the rape allegations, an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. off-base curfew was ordered for all U.S. military personnel in Japan by the commander of U.S. forces.

The incident occurred at a time Okinawans are angered over U.S. refusal to close the Futenma air station, which is within the city limits of Ginowan, a city near Naha.

While accepting Cloyd's apology, Yoseda said the most effective resolution would be to reduce the number of service members on the island by closing Futenma.