Joint Statement of
the Security Consultative Committee
April 27, 2012
By
Secretary of State Clinton
Secretary of Defense Panetta
Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba
Minister of Defense Tanaka
The U.S. -Japan Security Consultative Committee (SCC) reconfirmed that the U.S.-Japan
Alliance, supported by a robust U.S. military presence in Japan, including U.S. Marine
Corps forces in Okinawa, continues to provide the deterrence and capabilities necessary for
the defense of Japan and for the aintenance of peace, security, and economic prosperity in
the Asia-Pacific region.
In view of the increasingly uncertain security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, the
Ministers reiterated their commitment to advance the Common Strategic Objectives set
forth in the June 21, 2011 SCC Joint Statement. The Ministers also expressed their
intention to enhance bilateral security and defense cooperation in line with that Joint
Statement and to identify ways to strengthen engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific
region.
The Government of Japan welcomed the January 2012 announcement by the U.S.
Government of the new Strategic Guidance for the Department of Defense, which states the
U.S. intent to rebalance defense priorities toward the Asia-Pacific region, and also
welcomed U.S. efforts to advance its diplomatic engagement in the region.
To achieve the goals of the shared partnership between the two countries, the SCC decided
to adjust the plans outlined in the May 1, 2006 SCC Document entitled, "United States-
Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation" (Realignment Roadmap). As part of
these adjustments, the Ministers decided to delink both the relocation of the III Marine
Expeditionary Force (MEF) personnel from Okinawa to Guam and resulting land returns
south ofKadena Air Base from progress on the Futenma Replacement Facility.
The Ministers affirmed that these adjustments are necessary to realize a U.S. force posture
in the Asia-Pacific region that is more geographically distributed, operationally resilient
and politically sustainable. The adjustments, moreover, do not alter the fundamental goals
of the Realignment Roadmap, which are to maintain deterrence and mitigate the impact of
U.S. forces on local communities. The adjustments also strengthen interoperability
between U.S. forces and the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) and support the
development of Guam as a strategic hub.
The Ministers also affirmed that the unit composition described in Section I would
strengthen the deterrence capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. Furthermore, the
Ministers underscored that the deterrence capabilities of the Alliance would be
strengthened through Japan's efforts, such as development of a dynamic defense force and
enhancement of its defense posture in areas including the Southwestern Islands. They also
noted that bilateral dynamic defense cooperation, including timely and effective joint
training, joint surveillance and reconnaissance activities, as well as joint and shared use of
facilities, would strengthen deterrence.
I. Unit Composition in Guam and Okinawa
The Ministers announced their intent to adjust the composition of U.S. Marine Corps units
in Okinawa and Guam. Because the authorized strength of U.S. Marine Corps forces in
Okinawa has grown slightly since the Realignment Roadmap, and in order to maximize the
operational capability of the departing and remaining units, both governments have decided
on certain adjustments to the end-state composition of U.S. Marine Corps forces in Guam
and Okinawa.
The United States plans to locate Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF) in Okinawa,
Guam, and Hawaii and intends to establish a rotational presence in Australia in order to
establish a geographically distributed force posture while sustaining the forward presence
ofU.S. Marine Corps forces in the region. This revised posture will ensure a more capable
U.S. Marine Corps presence in these locations, strengthening deterrence and enabling
flexible and rapid responses to various contingencies. The Ministers confirmed that these
steps would contribute to Japan's defense and to peace and stability throughout the Asia-
Pacific region.
The Ministers confirmed that a total of approximately 9,000 U.S. Marines, along with their
associated dependents, are to be relocated from Okinawa to locations outside of Japan. U.S.
Marine Corps forces remaining in Okinawa are to consist of the III MEF Headquarters; the
1st Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters; the 3rd Marine Logistics Group Headquarters; the
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit; and base sustainment elements of Marine Corps
Installations Pacific, along with essential aviation, ground and support units. The Ministers
reaffirmed their commitment to achieve an end-state for the U.S. Marine Corps presence in
Okinawa consistent with the levels envisioned in the Realignment Roadmap. Consistent
with the usual practice of Alliance consultations, the U.S. Government is to notify the Government of Japan of changes to the organizational structure of the U.S. Marine Corps
units in Okinawa.
The United States is working to establish an operational U.S. Marine Corps presence in
ps presence in
the 4th Marine
Guam consisting of the 3 Marine Expeditionary Brigade Headquarters;
Regiment; and elements of aviation, ground and support units from III MEF. A base
sustainment unit is also to be established there. The authorized strength of U.S. Marine
Corps forces in Guam is to be approximately 5,000 personnel.
In conjunction with these adjustments, the U.S. Government also informed the Government
of Japan that it is establishing a U.S. Marine Corps rotational presence in Australia, with
other U.S. Marines moving to Hawaii to enhance operational capability there. In executing
these moves, the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to sustain its current military
presence and enhance military capability in the Western Pacific.
To reinforce the long-term sustainability of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, the
relocation of U.S. Marine Corps units from Okinawa mentioned above is to occur when
appropriate facilities are available to receive them. Recognizing the strong desires of
Okinawa residents, these relocations are to be completed as soon as possible while ensuring
operational capability throughout the process.
The preliminary cost estimate by the U.S. Government for the relocation of Marines to
Guam described above is $8.6 billion in U.S. fiscal year 2012 dollars. In order to expedite
the establishment of an operational U.S. Marine Corps presence in Guam, and considering
the aforementioned unit composition, the two governments reaffirmed that Japan's
financial commitment is to be the direct cash contribution as stipulated in Article 1 of the
2009 Guam International Agreement. The two governments affirmed that other forms of
Japanese financial support to Guam relocation would not be utilized. Any contributions
from Japan to develop training areas as referred to in Section II are to be a part of the
aforementioned commitment. The remaining costs and any additional costs are to be borne
by the U.S. Government. Any funds already transferred by the Government of Japan to the
U.S. Government under the 2009 Guam International Agreement are to be counted as part
of the Japanese contribution. The two governments are to complete a bilateral cost
breakdown. They are also to consult regarding further actions to be taken in light of the
2009 Guam International Agreement. The Ministers noted the importance of continued
consultations on the programmatic and technical details of these initiatives with the
legislative branches on both sides.
II. New Initiatives to Promote Regional Peace, Stability, and Prosperity
The Ministers confirmed the great importance of working together to promote peace,
stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, and enhancing effective, efficient and
creative cooperation.
In this context, the U.S. Government plans to continue to help allies and partners in the
region to build their capacity with training and exercises. The Government of Japan, for its
part, plans to take various measures to promote safety in the region, including strategic use
of official development assistance, for example through providing coastal states with patrol
boats.
In order to develop Guam as a strategic hub and mitigate the impact of the U.S. military
presence on local communities, both governments plan to explore new efforts to promote
bilateral dynamic defense cooperation in the region based on the assessment of the
changing security environment. The two governments are to consider cooperation in
developing training areas in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
as shared-use facilities by U.S. forces and the JSDF. Both governments are to identify
specific areas of cooperation in this regard by the end of2012.
III. Consolidation of Bases and Land Returns in Okinawa
The total or partial return of the following six facilities and areas remains unchanged from
the Realignment Roadmap:
- Camp Kuwae (Camp Lester): Total return.
- Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster): Partial return and consolidation of remaining
facilities and infrastructure to the extent possible.
・ Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma: Total return.
・ Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser): Total return.
- Naha Port: Total return (relocated to the new facilities, including additional
staging area, to be constructed at Urasoe).
・ Army Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant Depot Kuwae Tank Farm No.1: Total return.
The United States committed to return lands on Okinawa as designated U.S. Marine Corps
forces relocate from Okinawa, and as facilities become available for units and other tenant
activities relocating to locations in Okinawa. The Government of Japan noted its
responsibility to relocate all functions and capabilities that are resident in facilities
designated for return, and that are required by forces remaining in Okinawa, including the
housing necessary to support the remaining U.S. Marine Corps units, in coordination with
the U.S. Government. Coordination with local communities is to take place as necessary.
Land of the aforementioned facilities and areas is to be returned as early as it becomes
possible. The Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) relocation and return
initiatives may need to be re-evaluated.
In order to reduce the impact of U.S. forces on Okinawa as early as possible, both
governments affirmed that the following areas utilized by U.S. forces are eligible for return:
- The Ministers confirmed that the following areas are eligible for immediate return
upon completion of necessary procedures:
- West Futenma Housing area of Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster)
-The north access road of Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser)
-Area near Gate 5 on Makiminato Service Area
-A portion of the warehouse area of the Facilities and Engineering Compound in
Camp Zukeran (after the provision of a replacement warehouse at another
location)
- The Ministers confirmed that the following areas are eligible for return once the
replacement facilities in Okinawa are provided:
- Camp Kuwae (Camp Lester)
-Lower Plaza Housing area, a part of Kishaba Housing area, and the Industrial
Corridor of Camp Zukeran
-Elements of Makiminato Service Area, including the preponderance of the
storage area
-Naha Port
-Army Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant Depot Kuwae Tank Farm No. l
・ The Ministers confirmed that the following areas are eligible for return as U.S.
Marine Corps forces relocate from Okinawa to locations outside of Japan:
-Additional elements of Camp Zukeran
-The remainder of Makiminato Service Area
A consolidation plan, including sequencing of relocation steps, is to be jointly developed
for facilities and areas remaining in Okinawa, with a particular focus on determining the
end-state of Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster), by the end of 2012. This effort should consider
the land usage at Camp Zukeran required by this revised unit composition, as well as the
possible impact of the joint and shared use of facilities on Okinawa. The Ministers noted
that joint and shared use of facilities was a key objective of the Realignment Roadmap.
This consolidation plan would be available for public release as soon as possible. The
Ministers welcomed the formation of a working group, which is to include appropriate
officials of their respective capitals, to develop and oversee this consolidation plan.
IV. Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF) and MCAS Futenma
The Ministers resolve to continue to work toward the relocation of MCAS Futenma in a
way that meets the criteria: operationally viable, politically feasible, financially responsible,
and strategically sound. The Ministers reconfirmed their view that the FRF, planned for
construction at the Camp Schwab-Henoko saki area and adjacent waters, remains the only
viable solution that has been identified to date.
The Ministers confirmed their commitment to resolve the issue of the FRF as soon as
possible in order to avoid the indefinite use ofMCAS Futenma, while maintaining Alliance
capabi l ities.
Both governments expressed their commitment to contribute mutually to necessary
refurbishment projects at MCAS Futenma, such as those to sustain its safe mission
capability until the FRF is fully operational and to protect the environment, on a case-by
case-basis and consistent with existing bilateral arrangements, including Host Nation
Support. Bilateral discussion of specific refurbishment projects is to be conducted through
a channel separate from the one used to discuss realignment initiatives, with initial
refurbishment projects to be identified by the end of201 2.
Concl usion
The Ministers welcomed the close and fruitful cooperation embodied in this Joint Statement,
and they directed that the adjusted realignment package should be implemented
expeditiously, in consultation with the legislative branches on both sides. They further
expressed confidence that the package would be a solid foundation for a deeper and broader
U.S.-Japan Alliance. The Ministers noted a number of significant achievements with
realignment initiatives since the last SCC meeting in June 201 1 , including: progress in the
environmental impact assessment process regarding the FRF; the expansion of aviation
training relocation programs to Guam; the relocation of the Japan Air Self Defense Force
(JASDF) Air Defense Command to Yokota Air Base; and progress in the relocation of the
Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Central Readiness Force Headquarters to Camp
Zama. The Ministers expressed their intent to achieve further progress on realignment
goals and more broadly to evaluate Alliance roles, missions, and capabilities (RMC), in
order to fortify the Alliance for the evolving challenges of the regional and global security
environment.
(End)