10 Reasons Why the Marine Corps in Okinawa Is Essential to Peace and Security in the Pacific

The Heritage Foundation gives 10 reasons why the U.S. should maintain a Marine Corps presence in Okinawa. Camp Pendleton Marines and others with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit can respond to combat or humanitarian situations within a day's transit. In March, the 31st MEU conducted cleanup and relief support under to aid victims of the tsunami that ravaged the country earlier that month. Residents have clamored to rid Okinawa of noisy U.S. military aircraft and plans have been discussed to redistribute Marine assets to more rural parts of the Japan island in the north, at an estimated cost of $10 billion.

1. The U.S. Marine presence is a tangible sign of America’s commitment to defend Asia.
2. The U.S. Marine presence deters aggression.
3. The U.S. Marine presence enables the conduct of full-spectrum combat operations.
4. The U.S. Marine presence helps America meet its commitment to defend Japan, including the Senkaku Islands.
5. The U.S. Marine presence would help to defeat a North Korean invasion of South Korea.
6. The U.S. Marine presence helps the U.S. respond to Korea crisis contingencies other than war.
7. The U.S. Marine presence enables noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs).
8. The U.S. Marine presence helps the U.S. to conduct humanitarian operations.
9. The U.S. Marine presence is vital to the Theater Security Cooperation program.
10. Japan lacks the necessary defensive capacity.