Sailors E-5 and below in Commander Task Force 70 had been required to account for their off-ship activities in a weekly log. That rule was “relaxed” this month, said CTF-70 spokeswoman Cmdr. Jensin Sommer.Hopefully this much-needed change of heart will survive the first liberty incident.
Now, only “white card holders” — sailors new to Japan or those deemed a liberty risk — have to write and follow liberty plans. “White cards” also mean a midnight curfew for those holding them.
“Blue card” sailors with overnight liberty no longer have to fill out the plans.
The change was made by commanding officer Adm. Richard Wren on Jan. 18, Sommer said.
In a written statement, Wren said the old policy “had run its course and is no longer needed.”
Common Sense Returns To Seventh Fleet
Following the outcry over the ridiculous 7th Fleet liberty policy for Sailors in their home ports in Japan, it looks like the Commander of CTF-70 bowed to common sense and revoked the worst of the nanny-like policies:
