Strengthening Connections: Okinawan Catholic High School students visit MCAS Futenma
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa—Military actions can feel obscure. People outside of the military are often unaware of what it’s like within the gates of the base. That lack of awareness increases when not only is there a separation between military and civilian, but also a separation between American and Japanese culture.
The relationship between Japan and America is essential to the stability of the Pacific region. Underneath that broader relationship is the connection between the people on the ground living the relationship daily—the American service members and the locals of the Japanese host nation.
To foster this vital relationship, and to clarify the often-murky waters of military operations, students from Okinawa Catholic High School were invited to visit Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma.
Led by Major Nicholas Rhea, installation operations officer at MCAS Futenma, the visit took the students on a tour through the MCAS Futenma headquarters building, the air traffic control tower, a hangar and inside aircraft.
Rhea explained the purpose of the visit was to remove the mystery of what happens within the gates of the base, as well as to strengthen the connection between the military and the Okinawan locals.
“We aimed to demystify what happens behind the gates of MCAS Futenma,” said Rhea.“It was about showing these young citizens that we aren't just a military installation; we are their neighbors, committed to safety, partnership and mutual respect.”
The first location on the tour was the headquarters building where the students received a presentation of MCAS Futenma’s history and its units (and their aircraft). This gave the students a sense of the shared history and long-standing connection between Marines and Okinawans.
During the question-and-answer portion of the presentation, the students had the chance to speak with Rhea about his responsibilities as a leader, and with MCAS Futenma MLAs (master labor agreement) personnel about topics such as operating the chow hall and becoming a base employee.
In his responses, Rhea highlighted how operations completed at MCAS Futenma serve not only to enhance combined military readiness, but also to strengthen community partnerships.
“Our efforts here at MCAS Futenma, ”started Rhea, “are centered around not only ensuring that we are able to respond to any-and-all challenges within this area of operations, but also that we continue to maximize our mutually beneficial relationship with our Japanese allies.”
After Rhea’s comments, the MLAs shared their roles within base operations. The students were interested in the ways MLAs contributed to base success.
MLAs serve as shining representations of the continued collaboration between the US and Japan, as they symbolize the integration of local customs, beliefs and understanding into base operations.
In an interview, the chief of Local National Programs with Marine Corps Installation Pacific, Junko Taira stated, “the MLA is a labor agreement between the US and Japanese governments, based on the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, designed to support the US military.” MLAs have been supporting a part of the US and Japanese mission since 1957.
After the presentation, the group moved to the air traffic control tower to speak with Marines about their jobs and to get a unique view of the flightline. The Marines explained the complexities of their daily roles and shared fun anecdotes with the students.
“Fortunately, I’ve never had to deal with a crash,” said one of the Marines in the tower as he shared a laugh with the student that asked if he had he ever witnessed a crash.
The final stop on the tour was one of the hangars where students got to ask pilots questions and see aircraft firsthand.
Capt. Matthew Diddle, a CH-53E pilot assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361said thathe had a good experience speaking with the students.
“I genuinely enjoyed taking time to show students the CH-53E up close and share something I’m passionate about,” said Diddle. “Letting them see the aircraft and sit in the cockpit was a great opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impression on the students.”
Capt. David Gray, a UH-1Y pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, echoed the sentiment of leaving a positive impression on the students. He shared how exciting it was to have the chance to speak with such enthusiastic students.
“With us regularly flying overhead, it’s important to engage with, and to leave a positive impression on, the young people growing up in the community surrounding the base, ”said Gray. “It was also cool to be reminded that high schoolers are pretty much the same no matter the culture.”
The students smiled as they examined the aircraft. They had many questions they wanted to ask the pilots as the tour ended. Had it not been for the tour ending, the students and pilots would still be on the flightline exchanging questions and answers.
The sustained partnership between the US and Japan is essential to effective operation within the Pacific region. Continued collaboration maintains an alliance built to overcome challenges together.
Events like the student visit are an opportunity to deepen the connection between the US and Japan and strengthen their pivotal alliance. Capt. Nathaniel Thorne, an AH-1Z pilot, with HMLA-367 clarified the importance of the student visit: “it was an incredible opportunity to give back to a community that has done so much for us.” The shared experience between each side of the alliance ensures the continued success within the region.
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