USMC Futenma Base: Pentagon Links Return to Runway Agreement
The United States government has affirmed that the return of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, is contingent upon Japan securing a replacement facility with a runway of comparable length. This stance, recently reiterated by the Pentagon, isn’t a latest development, according to Japanese Defense Minister, and aligns with a 2013 bilateral agreement.
Background of the Agreement
The commitment to link the Futenma base’s return to the construction of a suitable replacement facility is rooted in the “Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa,” signed by Tokyo and Washington in 2013. This plan aimed to reduce the U.S. Military footprint in Okinawa, but with conditions tied to maintaining operational capabilities.
Concerns Over Runway Length at Henoko
The planned relocation site at Henoko, a coastal district in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, initially proposed two runways, each approximately 1,800 meters long. This is significantly shorter than the roughly 2,700-meter runway at the existing Futenma base. In 2017, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted that shorter runways would diminish the Marine Corps’ operational effectiveness. The Department of Defense subsequently stated its continued collaboration with Japan to secure a longer runway, emphasizing that finalizing the runway selection is “the responsibility of the government of Japan.”
Japanese Government Response
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that Japan does not anticipate the Futenma site remaining in U.S. Hands after the relocation to Henoko. However, the Defense Ministry is currently verifying the Pentagon’s position as presented to the GAO as reported by the Japan Times.
Pentagon Plans for Futenma Runway Repairs
Alongside the discussions regarding the Henoko relocation, the Pentagon has announced plans for a comprehensive overhaul and repair of the Futenma runway itself, expected to take eight to ten years. Stars and Stripes reported on this development, highlighting the ongoing leverage of the base despite relocation efforts.
Historical Context and Local Sentiment
The issue of the Futenma base’s return dates back to 1996, with numerous proposals over the decades, including removable heliports and time-limited use agreements. However, these promises have repeatedly been abandoned. This history has fueled skepticism among Okinawan prefectural authorities, who are understandably wary of the latest developments. Asahi Shimbun’s Vox Populi column points to a pattern of “double talk” from Tokyo regarding Okinawa’s concerns.
Looking Ahead
The future of MCAS Futenma remains uncertain, tied to the resolution of the runway length issue at Henoko. The Pentagon’s commitment to maintaining operational capabilities, coupled with the ongoing repairs at Futenma, suggests that the base’s complete return is not imminent. The situation continues to be a sensitive issue in U.S.-Japan relations and a source of frustration for the people of Okinawa.