Nuclear aircraft carrier faces a rocky reception

The environmental pressure group, Greenpeace, yesterday called on the local government to ban the nuclear powered U.S. aircraft carrier, George Washington from anchoring in the Bay of Palma. The environmentalists in a statement, said that the Washington was “twice the nuclear risk of the Royal Navy submarine Tireless” controversially moored in Gibraltar where it is undergoing repairs. “If anyone thought that nuclear warships were safe then the recent accidents involving the Russian Navy's Kursk and the Royal Navy's Tirelesswould have proved them wrong,” said the Director of Greenpeace (Spain) Xavier Pastor yesterday. According to the environmental group the local government has a duty to ensure the safety and health of Balearic residents therefore the George Washington must be sent to another port. In a letter to the leader of the local government Francesc Antich, Pastor says “it is no good being sorry afterwards (once the accident has occurred). It is vital to act now and the only way of resolving this problem is barring the aircraft carrier from Majorca. I hope that the progressive government of the Balearics will support us.” According to Greenpeace figures the U.S. aircraft carrier has two General Electric nuclear turbines. Pressure groups in Spain have been calling for the withdrawal of the Royal Navy submarine Tireless from Gibraltar and high-level discussions have taken place between the Spanish and British governments. The George Washington, a Nimitz type aircraft carrier, is expected to sail into Palma on Tuesday for a three day courtesy visit. The U.S. Navy is planning to take the necessary security precautions which are needed. Back in the 1980s Greenpeace protested against the visit to Majorca of the Washington's sister ship, the Eisenhower. The environmental group clashed with the crew of the vessel. The Washington is probably one of the most powerful warships in the world, armed with 85 aircraft. Her nuclear reactors give her an unlimited range.