TOKYO, Japan: The U.S. Marine Corps has initiated the long-planned relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, 12 years after Japan and the United States agreed to scale back the burden of American army presence on the southern Japanese island.
According to a joint assertion from the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan’s Defense Ministry, 100 members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed in Okinawa moved to Guam on Saturday to start preliminary logistical preparations.
Under the 2012 settlement, about 9,000 of the 19,000 Marines at the moment primarily based in Okinawa will probably be relocated, with 4,000 transferring to Guam in phases. Specific particulars concerning the timeline and scale of subsequent transfers haven’t but been disclosed.
“The Marine Corps remains committed to the defense of Japan and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the assertion mentioned, noting that Marines will probably be stationed or rotated throughout Japan, Guam, and Hawaii.
Japan has contributed as much as US$2.8 billion for infrastructure growth at U.S. bases in Guam, with the remaining prices funded by the U.S. authorities. Camp Blaz, the brand new predominant set up for Marines in Guam, will assist joint coaching workout routines with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
Okinawa hosts over 70 p.c of U.S. army services in Japan, regardless of accounting for under 0.6% of the nation’s land space. The heavy U.S. army presence has lengthy been a supply of frustration for Okinawans, who face noise, air pollution, and crime linked to the bases.
While the relocation could ease tensions, the impression stays unsure, particularly given Japan’s latest army buildup on Okinawan islands to counter threats from China.
The relocation begins amid heightened anti-U.S. sentiment following incidents involving American servicemembers. Recently, an Air Force servicemember from Kadena Air Base was sentenced to 5 years in jail for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage lady, sparking outrage amongst locals.
The U.S. and Japanese governments have emphasised their ongoing dedication to regional safety and cooperation because the switch progresses.