Japanese media- The normalization of parachute training for US troops stationed in Japan has caused dissatisfaction among local people

According to a report by Kyodo News on October 10, the U.S. military conducted parachute training at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. This marks the latest instance in a series of training exercises that have been held for four consecutive months, with a total of eight exercises conducted since the beginning of 2024.

The report notes that, under the U.S.-Japan agreement, parachute training is generally expected to take place at Ie Jima Auxiliary Airfield in Okinawa. However, the U.S. has indicated that the airfield’s aging runway is unsuitable for aircraft takeoffs and landings. As a result, repairs to the runway are planned to begin around February 2025, but training outside Ie Jima is expected to continue for some time.

Japanese media has pointed out that U.S. military operations at Kadena have become routine. The Okinawa Prefectural Government had previously requested a halt to these exercises. Okinawa’s Governor, Denny Tamaki, expressed disappointment, stating that the U.S. military conducts training nearly every month, which disregards the concerns of local residents.

In addition, reports indicate that as older F-15 fighter jets are phased out, Kadena Air Base has seen an increase in the temporary deployment of various aircraft and the presence of unmanned reconnaissance drones like the MQ-9, which has further burdened the local facility and provoked dissatisfaction among the community.

Previously, nearby municipalities including Okinawa City, Chatan Town, and Kadena Town had united in protest against the ongoing parachute training conducted by the U.S. military at Kadena Air Base.