Okinawa’s main airport is latest controversy in US military base relocation

Defense

Futenma transfer hinges on designating long civilian runway for emergencies: Pentagon

Aircraft at the Futenma base in Okinawa. (Photo by Akihiro Sano)

NAHA, Japan — The fate of Okinawa’s Naha Airport has become entangled in the relocation of a key U.S. military base, with the Pentagon saying it will not return the Futenma site to Japan until a new runway is designated for emergency use.