NAHA, Okinawa — Okinawa’s rainy season began Monday, six days earlier than last year.

According to the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory, a rain front over the island was expected to remain in the region for at least another week. Predicted: an average rainfall for this time of year — about 17 inches in Naha.

The rainy season is expected to last until June 23, when Okinawa enters its typhoon season, which lasts through October. The island, located in what is known as “Typhoon Alley,” is threatened by an average of seven typhoons each year.

Marine band schedules concert at Ginowan

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Band will perform a summer concert for the Okinawa community June 3 at the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan.

The free concert, to begin at 7 p.m., also will feature the Okinawa Salsa dance group Mamboki and Okinawan recording artist “J.J.” John Makishi.

Call the III MEF Band at DSN 645-3919 for more information.

Stateside job fair scheduled at Hansen, Foster

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Servicemembers and their families about to return to the United States can get information on finding jobs at this year’s Stateside Job Fair May 18-20 on camps Hansen and Foster.

Sponsored by the Personal Services Center’s Transition Assistance Management Program, the job fair is to kick off May 18 at The Palms on Camp Hansen. It moves to the Community Center on Camp Foster May 19-20.

All active-duty servicemembers, family members and retirees rotating to the United States are encouraged to check out the many different available career paths. Representatives from five major employers — Anteon, the Central Intelligence Agency, the California-based Panda Restaurant Group, the Wackenhut security firm, and SAIC, the largest employee-owned research and engineering firm in the United States — are to be present.

Further information is available at camp Personal Services Centers or by calling the Camp Foster’s TAMP office at DSN 645-3151.