Ahead of President Trump's visit to Japan over the weekend, the White House asked the U.S. Navy to make sure a warship named for late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) would be "out of sight," according to an email obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
The email, dated May 15, included an outline of plans for the president's arrival, including instructions for the ship.
"USS John McCain needs to be out of sight," the email reportedly read. "Please confirm #3 will be satisfied."
Officials, including Acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan, were aware of the concern about the USS John McCain and approved measures so that it would not be visible during Trump's visit, an official told the Wall Street Journal.
The ship has been stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base near the USS Wasp, where Trump delivered Memorial Day remarks and visited U.S. officers.
Before Trump's address, a tarp was hung over the USS John McCain's name and sailors were reportedly directed to remove any coverings that showed the ship's name. A barge was also reportedly moved near the ship to make it harder to see its name from the USS Wasp.
The Journal also reported that sailors on the ship, who normally wear caps with its name, were given the day off when Trump gave his address.