Marine Camps
on Okinawa
Marines have a long history on the island of Okinawa
beginning in late World War II and continuing to present day. Today there are seven major camps and approximately 15,000 Marines stationed here. These camps are under the command of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and host the units of III Marine Expeditionary Force, America’s expeditionary force in readiness in the IndoAsia-Pacific region.
Marines have built a strong bond with our friend and neighbors, the Okinawan residents and many other countries in the region over the years through thousands of community relations and friendship events held annually. Operationally, Marines from Okinawa have responded to 16 different Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions over the last 10 years. Whether responding to an earthquake in Nepal, a typhoon in the Philippines or teaching a weekend English class for Okinawan school children, the Marines of III MEF and MCIPAC continue to stand across the region as a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on for our friends, partners and allies in times of need. Our camps along the coast have evacuation route agreements through the base for local residents to escape in case of tsunami or typhoon. We thank Okinawa for hosting us, allowing the saving of lives across the region.
Camp Gonsalves home to the Department of Defense’s only Jungle Warfare Training Center, which provides expert instruction to prepare Marine and Joint Forces for the rigors of combat in a dense jungle environment.
Camp Schwab home to
the 4th Marine Regiment, Marines of 3rd MarDiv, and a rifle range.
Camp Hansen home to the
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Medal of Honor endurance course, a rifle range and Marines of 3rd MarDiv.
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
home to many of the helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft of 1st MAW, UC-12 and UC-35 Operational Support Aircraft (which recently surpassed 100,000 safe flying hours) and is designated as a United Nations Command (rear) airfield.
Camp Kinser home to the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, several logistics units and extensive warehouse and supply operations to supply all the needs of the thousands of Okinawa Marines and their families.
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Camp Courtney home to III
MEF, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and 3rd Marine Division headquarters, family housing and commissary and exchange services.
Camp FOster home to Marine Corps Installations Pacific and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters, family housing, the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, schools, commissary and exchange services and several aviation, supply and logistics units.