Japan Press Weekly

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2022 March 23 - 29 [US FORCES]

Naha City mayor requests USMC to not use Naha port for military drills

Naha City Mayor Shiroma Mikiko on March 23 met with U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Neil Owens at USMC Camp Zukeran in Okinawa in order to make a request for a halt to the use of the Naha military port for USMC training exercises.

The USMC in February conducted its military drills using MV-22 Osprey aircraft at the Naha military port located in the commercial district of Naha City.

Mayor Shiroma said that many residents are concerned about the safety of Osprey aircraft, and that their worries increased after witnessing the military drills. She added, "The city government cannot tolerate military training exercises taking place close to the community where 320,000 citizens live."

The colonel said that the U.S. administration agrees on the use of the Naha port with the Japanese government, and that the USMC may carry out more training exercises at the port. No apology was made for putting Naha citizens in danger.

Past related article:
> US military in Okinawa arrogantly conducts military drills despite opposition [February 10,2022]