Okinawa issues discussed during
U.S.-Japan meeting at Pentagon
By David Allen, Okinawa
bureau chief
CAMP FOSTER — When Japan Defense Agency Chief Gen Nakatani
visited the Pentagon last week he made a pitch for moving some Marine training off
Okinawa.
During a wide-ranging discussion Nakatani conveyed Okinawa Gov.
Keiichi Inamine’s demand that military use of a new airport be limited to 15 years.
The new airport is scheduled for northern Okinawa and will replace
Futenma Marine Corps Air Station.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Marine Commandant Gen. James
Jones also attended the meeting, which was in preparation for discussions between Japanese
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President George W. Bush later this week. It was the
first time the two defense chiefs met.
According to Japanese media reports, Jones told Nakatani that the
Marines have increased the number of deployments off Okinawa for training and will
continue to look for alternate training sites. “We’re exploring different
options to enhance the training that we conduct,” said Capt. Cliff W. Gilmore, the
Marine spokesman.
Earlier last week, Lt. Gen. Earl Hailston said the idea of relocating
was good, but Guam and Saipan are not large enough to host many Marines exercises.
Some urban warfare training on Guam is possible, Marine officials
said.
Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said he was pleased with the way his first
meeting went with Nakatani.
Both defense secretaries said they reaffirmed the importance of the
U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and cooperative efforts with South Korea to keep a wary eye on
issues regarding North Korea.
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