USAG Okinawa, Japanese partners eradicate invasive ants

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U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Commander Lt. Col. Elizabeth Johnson attends a joint press conference announcing the eradication of an invasive ant species in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, March 12, 2026.
(Photo Credit: Capt. Natalie Stanley)

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USAG Okinawa, Japanese partners eradicate invasive ants

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An invasive browsing ant is displaying during a joint press conference announcing the successful eradication of the species at Naha Military Port, in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan, March 12, 2026.
(Photo Credit: Capt. Natalie Stanley)

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USAG Okinawa, Japanese partners eradicate invasive ants

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USAG Okinawa, Japanese partners eradicate invasive ants

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USAG Okinawa, Japanese partners eradicate invasive ants

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A National Parks and Wildlife Conservation patch is displayed during a joint press conference in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, March 12, 2026. U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa and Japanese environmental partners announced the successful eradication of an invasive ant species at Naha Military Port during a joint press conference .
(Photo Credit: Capt. Natalie Stanley)

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TORII STATION, Japan — U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa and Japanese environmental partners announced the successful eradication of an invasive ant species at Naha Military Port during a joint press conference in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, March 12, 2026.

This announcement marked the culmination of several years of coordinated monitoring and response efforts.

The invasive species was first detected at the port in 2020, prompting a collaborative response between U.S. and Japanese authorities. Through sustained monitoring, coordinated control measures and environmental management, officials confirmed the eradication after multiple years of zero detections, including a final survey conducted in autumn 2025.

The response involved close coordination with Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, Okinawa Prefectural Government, Naha City, the University of the Ryukyus, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and other environmental experts.

“Invasive species do not recognize fences or boundaries,” said Lt. Col. Elizabeth Johnson, USAG Okinawa commander. “This success demonstrates what can be accomplished when partners work together toward a shared goal.”

Following the initial detection, monitoring and control measures were implemented in close collaboration with Japanese experts. Surveys will continue annually to ensure the species have not re-established a presence.