U.S., Japan Agree on Troop Realignment
WASHINGTON (AP) - Japan and the United States approved details Monday of a sweeping plan to realign U.S. forces in Japan by 2014 while giving Japan's military greater responsibility for security in the Asia-Pacific region.
By FOSTER KLUG, Associated Press Writer
Last update: May 01, 2006 – 7:25 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Japan and the United States approved details Monday of a sweeping plan to realign U.S. forces in Japan by 2014 while giving Japan's military greater responsibility for security in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a joint report, the countries made special mention of the burden faced by Japanese communities hosting U.S. bases. Locals, especially on the crowded island of Okinawa, often complain of the crime, accidents, land use and noise associated with the bases.
The announcement is part of the biggest restructuring and streamlining of the U.S. military in Japan in decades. A price tag for the plan's implementation was not released, but Japanese officials said their government would be responsible for most of the costs.
About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents will move from Okinawa to Guam by 2014, the report said, with Japan providing about $6.1 billion of the nearly $10.3 billion cost.
The two sides agreed to relocate the U.S. airfield at Futenma on Okinawa, with a target date of 2014. The operations will move to two new 1,800-meter-long, "V''-shaped runways, being built in a less congested part of the island to deal with safety, noise and environmental problems.
Also by 2014, the report said officials aim to move a U.S. carrier air wing from Atsugi Air Station, near Tokyo, to a base at Iwakuni - 450 miles southwest of Tokyo. Residents near Atsugi have complained of the noise.
Under a mutual security pact, the United States has about 50,000 troops stationed in Japan. The presence includes more than 10,000 Marines, several air bases and the home port for the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet.