THE Japan Self-Defense Force is interested in training in the Northern Marianas, according to Craig B. Whelden, Marine Forces Pacific executive director.
He said the Japanese government has agreed to help pay for the training infrastructure.
Back in 2012, a Yomiuri Shimbun report described a U.S.-Japan plan to work together on improving U.S. military facilities on Tinian and Pagan for future joint Japanese-American military exercises.
In 2012, a high-ranking Japanese military and civilian delegation visited Tinian on a fact-finding mission, weeks before the Marines held the first in a series of expeditionary exercises, Geiger Fury.
Along with then Marine Forces Pacific Officer Col. Robert Loynd, the Japanese delegation was led by Japan’s Ministry of Defense Counselor Morio Ito with eight other civilian and Self Defense Force officials.
In the same year, four officials of the Japan Self Defense Force took part in the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s certification exercise on Tinian.
A few months later, in February 2013, Tinian saw the participation of Japan’s Self Air Defense Force in the Cope North Exercise that involved the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Whelden said the Marines are looking to train on Tinian from 16 to 20 weeks a year.
“We are planning to put in a support area on Tinian that will accommodate up to 1,500 Marines in expeditionary style facilities,” he said.
He said if the Air Force comes to the CNMI to train for 4-6 weeks a year, with 2-4 aircraft, it probably will not be at the same time the Marines are there.
He anticipates that there could be more weeks of training if the Japanese come and participate.
He said the Japanese government has agreed to help pay for the training infrastructure.
Back in 2012, a Yomiuri Shimbun report described a U.S.-Japan plan to work together on improving U.S. military facilities on Tinian and Pagan for future joint Japanese-American military exercises.
In 2012, a high-ranking Japanese military and civilian delegation visited Tinian on a fact-finding mission, weeks before the Marines held the first in a series of expeditionary exercises, Geiger Fury.
Along with then Marine Forces Pacific Officer Col. Robert Loynd, the Japanese delegation was led by Japan’s Ministry of Defense Counselor Morio Ito with eight other civilian and Self Defense Force officials.
In the same year, four officials of the Japan Self Defense Force took part in the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s certification exercise on Tinian.
A few months later, in February 2013, Tinian saw the participation of Japan’s Self Air Defense Force in the Cope North Exercise that involved the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Whelden said the Marines are looking to train on Tinian from 16 to 20 weeks a year.
“We are planning to put in a support area on Tinian that will accommodate up to 1,500 Marines in expeditionary style facilities,” he said.
He said if the Air Force comes to the CNMI to train for 4-6 weeks a year, with 2-4 aircraft, it probably will not be at the same time the Marines are there.
He anticipates that there could be more weeks of training if the Japanese come and participate.
