United States Returns 4 Hectares of Land Near MCAS Futenma

On August 1, based on prior agreement, the United States returned 4 hectares of land on the east side of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma parallel to Highway 11.

"While this is a small partial of land that we are returning today, it underscores a steady and continuous process of land return that has and will continue to occur, " said Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Our strong and binding alliance of more than 60 years has never been more important to regional stability and security. Our ability to work together to solve problems has also never been more important.”

This return of land demonstrates our continuing commitment to reducing our impact on the citizens of Okinawa while maintaining our security obligations to the entire nation of Japan. This reversion is further proof that the U.S.-Japan Alliance continues to make meaningful progress in its realignment efforts. The United States Government appreciates the efforts of the Government of Japan to complete this land return and for its continued commitment to strengthening and modernizing our Alliance as we continue to realign our forces on Okinawa to better meet future security challenges.