Campbell urges progress on moving Futenma base

Tokyo and Washington have squabbled for years over the fate of the base, where locals have long complained of aircraft noise, the risk of accidents, and crime associated with a large contingent of young servicemen

And we will also be taking steps to strengthen and diversify our security relationships around the Pacific

There's no reason other Asian countries(Phillipines, Taiwan, Thailand, NZ etc) cannot host this and other bases that are now in Japan.

"away from a crowded urban location..."

It wasn't a crowded urban location when Futenma began operations in 1948.

"... to a quiet coastal spot"

It won't be quiet if Futenma moves there, the noisy protesters will make sure of that, lol.

Look, it's obvious the majority of Okinawans and the Japanese as a whole want Futenma moved out of the country, I don't see why we should be where we're not wanted. Plus, didn't Senator McCain and another couple of U.S. politicians say we didn't have the money to relocate the base in the quiet coastal spot?

Yes, please, please relocate it!

Let's see some action instead of just words.

Anywhere in United States territory would be fine.

Guam, California, ANYWHERE but here!

Just close 10 US bases in Japan, and there will be plenty of money. Does anyone understand that the cost to the USA taxpayer is NOT just for the military. Off-base living allowances for families, free American schools for dependents and other unnecessary expenses are not acceptable to the taxpayers. This is true in all countries that the USA has bases. Japan can be part of the solution or a solution will just be handed to it. It is better to discuss the options, but progress must occur. This situation is very serious for both countries. The next countries for review are Korea, the Philippines and finally those in Europe.

Just close 10 US bases in Japan, and there will be plenty of money.

Yes Japan would save billions it now spends on golf courses and other amenities required by US forces.

That's how the USA taxpayer sees it. Too much expense for both countries for people who are not needed to defend both countries. Pack the bags, the Yanks are coming home. What would the developers do with the land in Yokohama the USA military leaves? Plant rice.? All readers except USA military can help by submitting the name of a military base that is not really needed in Japan because of the new high-tech weaponry. Change is coming, and Japan needs to be part of the solution.

Went past Futenma housing on Foster yesterday. All of the old houses look empty, guess they are not good enough for the Americans. They are getting Japan to pay for new ones. Money better spent on the people of Japan. Cambell chan, you are getting nowhere bad mouthing the noble Okinawa people to your "counterparts" in Tokyo. Give it up! The airfield will NEVER be built.

Does anyone know who pays the bill for military museums such as Hamamatsu? IIf it is Japan, why? If it is USA, why? Museums are important, but resources and the future of children and their economy is more important.

“Some of our meetings talked about the need to move forward on Futenma and the submission of the (environmental assessment) report,” Campbell told reporters. “I think we all understand the importance of making progress.”

Reminds me of the way my junior high school counselor used to speak to me.

The marines can be removed from Okinawa with a minimum impact on deterrence and security, they are their because its cheaper to have them their. i have many okinawan and okinawa-hawaiian friends, they great people with a beautiful cultural, Obama should know it, he's from hawaii. We don't need to do this to innocent and peaceful people. With the new technology the infantry is useless any ways. It takes 3-4 days before the marines would respond anyways, they are shippable. fighter jets, aircraft carriers and submarines is all we need.

The answer to this whole problem is to be found in a book written by Chalmers John son called "Dismantling the Empire" and it should be done right now and it will include almost 800 bases all over this world. (At a savings of over a trillion dollars.) We are not and never should be the policemen of the world. Get off your ass and bring this episode to a glorious fini.

In perspective,its like someone building a house blocking your view,you didn't want it ,but the planners gave permission, The Japanese government and the US want to build this base on a pristine beach in Okinawa , but the people of Okinawa don't want it. Big brother rules !!!

Horse. Deceased. Beating. Stop it.

Minello7: You have it all wrong; It is Japan that wants Futema closed or moved. Okinawa is never asked - JUST TOLD. The UN was supposed to return Okinawa to Sovereignty Status vis the High Commissioner route where-in The Ryukyuan people were to be trained to attain Statehood status - however Japan NEVER agreed to what was known as the Cairo Accords of 1943. Remember that Roosevelt wanted to give the Ryukyu Islnds to China, but China said they didn't have the money to support the Ryukyu Islands - however now that oil and gas have been discovered in the Senkaku area - you are seeing what is a horse of another hue.