YOKOSUKA, Kanagawa Pref. — The USS George Washington arrived at its new home Thursday, becoming the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed outside the United States.

Hundreds of slogan-shouting protesters lined the harbor and took to boats as the giant warship pulled into Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, while flag-waving supporters crowded the dock at the U.S. naval base.

The 102,000-ton, 332-meter warship arrived at 10 a.m., greeted by the crew's family members and performances by the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet Band and the Maritime Self-Defense Force band.