“We can’t accept that!” retorts Okinawa Prefecture Governor Denny Tamaki on a spot report that the US Military Futenma Airfield might not be returned to Japan. (17fe26)
Splendor of Okinawa: Golden Dewdrop, roadside Uruma, 14fe25 A spot report has noted a public document that reveals that the US Defense Department might not restore Futenma Airfield to Japan even if its replacement facility at Henoko in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, is completed. On 16 February, Okinawa Prefecture Governor Denny Tamaki responded, “We absolutely can’t accept such tales that pop up from the US side.” The spot report noted that the US Defense Department sees the insufficient length of the replacement facility’s runway as an issue. It was revealed that a documented report was submitted to the US Government General Accounting Office (GAO) that noted that the Futenma Airfield would not be returned to Japan until it is suitably replaced. The governor retorted, “Among the facilities of Futenma Airfield, its use of mid-air refueling aircraft has already been relocated to Mikuni Base. Moreover, it has been decided that facilities for accepting aircraft in emergencies will be moved ...