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MCAS Futenma

U.S. Marine Corps•39 members

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About this Unit

MCAS Futenma

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma is a United States Marine Corps base located in Ginowan City, Okinawa, Japan. Originally constructed by the U.S. military following the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the airfield became a key strategic base for Marine aviation operations in the Pacific region during the post-World War II era. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, MCAS Futenma served as a vital hub for logistics, training, and deployment of Marine aviation units. Today, it continues to play a central role in U.S.-Japan security cooperation, although its location amid a densely populated urban area has made it a focal point of local and international debate regarding U.S. military presence on Okinawa.

About MCAS Futenma

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Strategic Location: MCAS Futenma is located in Ginowan City, Okinawa, Japan, and is considered a key strategic airbase for the U.S. Marine Corps in the Asia-Pacific region.
World War II Origins: The airfield was originally constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1945 and was captured by U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa.
Post-War Use: After World War II, the U.S. military expanded and improved the airfield, turning it into a major Marine Corps Air Station.
Community Controversy: MCAS Futenma has been the subject of local controversy due to its location in a densely populated urban area and concerns over noise, safety, and environmental impact.
Futenma Relocation Plan: There has been a long-standing plan to relocate MCAS Futenma to a less populated area in Henoko, Okinawa, but the move has faced delays and opposition from local residents.
Aircraft Operations: The base primarily supports rotary-wing aircraft operations, including CH-53E Super Stallions, MV-22B Ospreys, and other Marine Corps helicopters.
2016 MV-22 Osprey Crash: In December 2016, an MV-22 Osprey from MCAS Futenma crash-landed off the coast of Okinawa, prompting a temporary grounding of the fleet and heightening local concerns.
Land Disputes: The land under the air station was originally private property, and many Okinawans have called for its return to civilian use.
Earthquake Preparedness: Due to its location in a seismically active region, MCAS Futenma has undergone structural reinforcements to ensure operational continuity during earthquakes.
Symbol of U.S.-Japan Alliance: Despite the controversies, MCAS Futenma remains a symbol of the U.S.-Japan security alliance and a major hub for Marine Corps operations in the Western Pacific.

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MCAS Futenma

U.S. Marine Corps•39 members

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About this Unit

MCAS Futenma

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Phillip Kuntz

U.S. Marine Corps Military Retiree · 1995 - 2001

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Bobby Rushing

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1987 - 1988

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Lawrence Aguilar

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1989 - 1990

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Vincent Eddy

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1988 - 1989

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Photos from MCAS Futenma members

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About MCAS Futenma

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Strategic Location: MCAS Futenma is located in Ginowan City, Okinawa, Japan, and is considered a key strategic airbase for the U.S. Marine Corps in the Asia-Pacific region.
World War II Origins: The airfield was originally constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1945 and was captured by U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa.
Post-War Use: After World War II, the U.S. military expanded and improved the airfield, turning it into a major Marine Corps Air Station.
Community Controversy: MCAS Futenma has been the subject of local controversy due to its location in a densely populated urban area and concerns over noise, safety, and environmental impact.
Futenma Relocation Plan: There has been a long-standing plan to relocate MCAS Futenma to a less populated area in Henoko, Okinawa, but the move has faced delays and opposition from local residents.
Aircraft Operations: The base primarily supports rotary-wing aircraft operations, including CH-53E Super Stallions, MV-22B Ospreys, and other Marine Corps helicopters.
2016 MV-22 Osprey Crash: In December 2016, an MV-22 Osprey from MCAS Futenma crash-landed off the coast of Okinawa, prompting a temporary grounding of the fleet and heightening local concerns.
Land Disputes: The land under the air station was originally private property, and many Okinawans have called for its return to civilian use.
Earthquake Preparedness: Due to its location in a seismically active region, MCAS Futenma has undergone structural reinforcements to ensure operational continuity during earthquakes.
Symbol of U.S.-Japan Alliance: Despite the controversies, MCAS Futenma remains a symbol of the U.S.-Japan security alliance and a major hub for Marine Corps operations in the Western Pacific.