About this Unit
Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji is a United States Marine Corps installation located near Gotemba, Japan, at the base of Mount Fuji. Established in the 1950s, the camp was originally a Japanese Imperial Army training area before being repurposed by U.S. forces following World War II. CATC Camp Fuji serves as a premier live-fire training facility for U.S. Marines and allied forces stationed in the Pacific, offering unique terrain and resources for combined arms exercises. Over the decades, it has played a critical role in strengthening the operational readiness and partnership between the United States and Japan.
Historical Facts
• Established in 1953: Camp Fuji began as the U.S. Army’s North Camp Fuji in 1953 and was later transferred to the United States Marine Corps in 1956, becoming a vital training location for Marines stationed in the Pacific.
• Strategic Location: Situated at the base of Mount Fuji near Gotemba, the camp provides unique terrain and weather conditions that enhance realistic training for various combat scenarios.
• Live-Fire Training: Camp Fuji is one of the few locations in Japan where U.S. forces are authorized to conduct live-fire training, including artillery, mortars, and combined arms exercises.
• Bilateral Training: The camp regularly hosts joint exercises involving the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, strengthening the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
• Fuji Combined Arms Training Center (CATC): The official name emphasizes its role in combined arms training, supporting units from across the Indo-Pacific region.
• Mount Fuji Backdrop: The iconic Mount Fuji not only provides challenging terrain but also serves as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces.
• Disaster Relief Staging Area: Camp Fuji has served as a staging area for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Japan, including responses to earthquakes and typhoons.
• Historic Buildings: Some of the camp’s original structures still stand, offering a glimpse into the post-World War II history of the U.S. military presence in Japan.
• “Fuji Five Lakes” Recreation: Marines stationed at Camp Fuji often enjoy recreational activities in the nearby Fuji Five Lakes region, known for its natural beauty and outdoor sports.
• Annual Memorial Events: Camp Fuji hosts annual memorial ceremonies honoring both American and Japanese servicemembers, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and security.