US bases in Okinawa

U.S. Defense Secretary William Perry stressed that American troops have an important role to play in Okinawa.

"The presence of U.S. troops in both Japan and Korea is crucial, in my judgment, to maintaining security and stability in the Pacific," he said. "It's not just a matter of protecting Japan and Korea. Not just a matter of protecting U.S. interests. It's maintaining security and stability in the whole region."[1]

But crimes committed by US servicemen have been a rallying point for local citizenry opposed to the US military presence.

## History[edit]

During the Korean War, B-29 Superfortresses based on Okinawa were involved in the air campaign against North Korea.[2]

## Notes[edit]

1. ↑ CNN - U.S. servicemen convicted in Okinawa rape - Mar. 7, 1996
2. ↑ B-29 Superfortress Units of the Korean War, by Robert F. Dorr, Osprey Publishing, 2003