Camp S D Butler (Camp Foster, Kinser, Courtney, Hansen, Schwab and MCAS Futenma)

III MEF provides the United States of America with a forward-deployed force in readiness in the Pacific Theater, as a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air Group Task Force (MAGTF), capable of generating, deploying, and employing forces for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations, and campaigns.

MCB Camp Butler, which falls under MCIPAC, supports the current and future combat readiness of III MEF forward-based forces while in garrison or deployed by providing training support, mobilization and deployment support, and installation services. Additionally, MCB provide services and support to other commands, Service Members, and all family members.

Most Marines stationed here belong to the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), headquartered at Camp Courtney. III MEF was established as I Marine Amphibious Corps on October 1, 1942. It was renamed III Amphibious Corps (AC), April 15, 1944 and contributed to noteworthy military campaigns, such as the Solomon Islands campaign, the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, and the Battle of Okinawa, during World War II.

In September 1945, III AC redeployed to Tientsin, China, and supported the occupation of Northern China before being deactivated June, 10 1946.

III AC was reactivated on May 6, 1965 in Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, and redesignated III Marine Amphibious Force (MAF) on May 7, 1965. III MAF, which consisted of 1st Marine Division, 3d Marine Division, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, operated in Quang Tri, Thua Thien, Quang Nam, Quang Tin, and Quang Ngai, from May 1965 to April 1971 during the Vietnam War.

III MAF was redesignated as III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) on February 5, 1988 and has since supported military operations throughout the world. In the Middle East, III MEF supported Operation Desert Shield, Operations Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. III MEF elements also played a vital role in Operation Sea Angel, in Bangladesh, from May-June 1991; Operation Fiery Vigil, in the Philippines, during June 1991; Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope, in Somalia, from December 1992 to March 1994.

Today, III MEF supports a wide range of military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. III MEF provided HADR assistance during Super Typhoon Megi in the Philippines during 2010; earthquake-relief efforts in Japan during March 2011; Operation Tomodachi, a tsunami-relief effort in Japan during May of the same year; flood-relief efforts in Thailand during October-November 2011; typhoon-relief efforts in the Philippines during December 2012 and November 2013; earthquake-relief efforts in Nepal during 2015 and in Kumamoto, Japan, in 2016.

III MEF, maintains a forward presence in support of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the U.S. and Japan, and other regional allies of the U.S. III MEF also conducts combined operations and training throughout the region in support of the National Security Strategy for Theater Security Cooperation.

III MEF subordinate units include the 3d Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3d Marine Logistics Group, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

Alongside III MEF, the Marine Corps Installation Pacific (MCIPAC) is the command responsible for oversight and support of Marine Corps Base (MCB), Camp Smedley D. Butler (MCB Camp S.D. Butler); MCB Hawaii; Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni; MCAS Futenma; Combined Arms Training Center, (CATC) Camp Fuji; and Camp Mujuk along with its operating forces, other services and agencies, and tenants of these installations.

Marine Corps Base Camp Butler's history began in 1955, when it was located at Camp Tengan near Camp Courtney. It carried this name through Vietnam, after which it re-settled in Okinawa in 1971. Today, the Camp Butler headquarters is located at Building 1, Camp Butler.

Marine Corps Installations Pacific strengthens and enables force projection in the Indo-Asia-Pacific with our allies and partners to protect and defend the territory of the United States, its people, and its interests. Our camps and installations, arrayed across the region with purposeful designs, clearly set theater-strategic conditions for partnered presence, logistics throughout, command and control, and military readiness. Our utility, resiliency and strategic design represent the requisite and foundational support to the power of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

For more information on Camp Butler, please visit our homepage.

Okinawa is located on the east side of the Asia Continent and on the western end of the arch of the Japanese islands. The prefecture consists of 160 large and small islands (49 inhabited islands) dotted around the vast ocean stretching about 1,000 km from east to west and about 400 km from north to south. It is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan, with a population of 1,434,138. The capital city, Naha, has a population of 319,435.

70.6% of the land in Japan that is exclusive to U.S. military facilities is concentrated in Okinawa, which accounts for only 0.6% of the total land area of Japan. Okinawa hosts 32 U.S. military facilities including one USFJ-JSDF Joint Use Facility.

Most of the U.S. military bases on Okinawa are concentrated in flat and highly useful lands in the urban area of the Central and Southern parts of Okinawa where about 80% of the Okinawan population (approximately 1,200,000) live.

Approximate Population Served 

• Active Duty Navy/Marine: 17,117
• Families: 9,741
• Civilians: 4,415
• Retirees: 1,000

Base Transportation

An inter-camp shuttle (Green Line) service picks up and drops off people between the different camps on the island, according to a set schedule. It is much like a city bus system, except it is free. This shuttle provides transportation as far north as Camp Schwab or as far south as Camp Kinser. If a particular ride is nearing capacity, those wearing a uniform are given priority.

Sponsorship

To request a sponsor, simply fill out a Sponsorship Request Form (NAVMC 11799). The request can be submitted to your administrative section or to MCCS Relocation Services, Okinawa via email at mcbb_reloassist@usmc.mil.

A copy of the form can also be found on the "Sponsorship" tab of the MCCS Okinawa Welcome Aboard webpage.

Mailing Services

A sponsor can help you set up a P.O. Box within 30 days of your arrival to Okinawa. Your sponsor will need a copy of your Orders and Area Clearance (USMC) or Dependent Entry Approval (USN). If you are part of a civilian component, your sponsor will need a copy of your Orders or Letter of Employment. Once your sponsor sets up your P.O. Box, he/she will send you an FPO mailing address. Unaccompanied personnel will use their gaining unit's specific FPO address to receive mail while on Okinawa.

It is important to make sure you include the unit and box numbers, for FPO shipping addresses to prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks. Do not include city or country names when using FPO shipping. Provided below are examples for using your new FPO mailing address:

Accompanied Personnel/Civilian Personnel
John Doe
PSC 3 BOX 4321
FPO, AP 96691

Unaccompanied Personnel
PFC John Smith
Unit 10001 BOX 4321
FPO, AP 96691

Temporary Quarters

If you are arriving on Accompanied Orders, your sponsor should have arranged for you to stay at one of the many government approved TLA facilities until you have found suitable housing for your family. TLA is contingent upon:

• Marines and Sailors must utilize a government TLA facility, i.e., the WestPac, Courtney, or Hansen Lodge, unless a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) is obtained stating that the facility closest to your place of work is not available for occupancy.<

If you are arriving on Unaccompanied Orders, your sponsor should have arranged Billeting for you to stay in. Your room will be ready for occupancy upon your arrival:<

• Marines and Sailors on the greenside in paygrades E-5 and below will be received by the Joint Reception Center (JRC). JRC will provide temporary quarters until released to their gaining command.

Relocation Services

MCCS Relocation Services, Okinawa provides assistance to all Service Members and their families who are relocating from one duty station to another. You may contact Relocation Services from the States by calling 011-81-98-970-2104/7494. The variety of services available is extensive:

• Pre-Departure Planning Determining Needs and Priorities
• Destination Information (Sample Welcome Aboard Packages)
• Sponsorship Assistance and Training
• Relocation Information
• Relocation Workshops including: Newcomers' Orientation, Smooth Move Workshop, Sponsorship Training
• Cultural Adaptation Programs<
• Loan Locker (temporary kitchen items available to borrow)

Critical Installation Information

Note: NEWCOMERS' ORIENTATION IS MANDATORY PER MCO 1320.11G AND IIIMEF/MCIPAC-MCBBOO 1754.1B.

Per the United States Forces Japan (USJF) Instruction 36-2811., Marine Corps Order (MCO) 1320.11H, and the IIIMEF/MCIPAC-MCBBO 1754.1B The NOWA brief is mandatory for:

• All accompanied Service Members (USMC & USN) and their families, DoD Civilians, Contractors and their families.
• All unaccompanied USMC & USN Service members E-6 or above.
• Children 10 years and older.
• To be viewed in its entirety and to be completed after arrival to Japan.
  
  Due to a lack of childcare for the Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) brief, the MCIPAC Chief of Staff has provided the option to request a virtual NOWA brief for single Service Members and spouses of Service Members, DoD Civilians, and Contractors with family members under the age of 10. All children are still welcome to participate in the in-person NOWA. The Virtual NOWA is a four-hour, video-based webinar facilitated via the Qualtrics system. NOWA brief codes and links are specific to the individual and will be emailed on Thursday by 1000.

Active duty Service Members, DoD Civilians, Contractors, and children 10 and above MUST attend the In-Person NOWA. Single parents with children under 10 may opt to complete the Virtual NOWA.

All participants who qualify, are approved, and complete a virtual NOWA brief prior to 1400 on Friday, will have their names forwarded to the Base Safety Licensing office showing proof they completed the mandatory NOWA indoctrination brief.

Welcome to MCB Camp S. D. Butler located 300 miles due south of mainland Japan on the island of Okinawa. Perhaps the most unique characteristic about Okinawa is that unlike most duty stations, MCB Camp Butler is physically separated throughout the island into a number of different camps.

Okinawa is home to MCAS Futnema and MCB Camp S. D. Butler, which includes: Camp Kinser; Camp Foster; Camp Courtney; Camp Hansen; Camp Schwab; and Camp Gonsalves / Jungle Warfare Training Center. Okinawa is also home to five USMC major commands:

1. III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)
2. Marine Corps Installation Pacific (MCIPAC)
3. 3rd Marine Logistics Group (MLG)
4. 3rd Marine Division (MAR DIV)
5. 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW)

Navy presence on Okinawa includes Commander Fleet Activities, Okinawa with its tenant commands and the U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa on Camp Foster. Naval facilities are physically located throughout Okinawa (on Kadena Air Base, Camp Shields and White Beach Naval Facility). There is also a significant Air Force and Army presence on Okinawa located at Kadena Air Base and Torii Station.

Until further notice, all Marines, Sailors, Civilians executing assignments to Japan from CONUS are required to utilize the AMC-PE as the primary international mode.

Arriving through Kadena Air Base

Upon arrival at the Kadena AMC terminal, go to the Customs & Immigration area to complete customs forms and inspections. The baggage claim area is there. Please pick up all pets and have all personal belongings, luggage, and passports ready to be checked.  An AMC terminal greeter will match the passengers name with the sponsor's name and provide notification if the sponsor is waiting outside the Customs & Immigration area.

The sponsor will provide transportation to the designated Temporary Lodging Facilities, Port-to-Home, and contingency housing.  

If the sponsor is not waiting, ask an AMC terminal greeter or the information counter personnel to assist with calling the newly assigned command or the assigned sponsor. There is a USO lounge available to wait in if needed.

Single/Unaccompanied USMC and Greenside USN Personnel E-5 and Below

At arrival standby in the seating area until a Joint Resources Center (JRC) Marine arrives. The marine will assist with navigating through customs and retrieving all personal belongings. When completed, board the JRC bus to Camp Foster to start the in-processing period. At the completion of the orientation, the newly assigned command will pick you up and complete the remainder of your checking in over the next ten days.

Single/Unaccompanied USMC and Greenside USN Personnel E-5 and Below

If you are arriving through the Naha Domestic Airport, follow the signs directing you to Baggage Claim. Once you have collected your baggage look out for a Marine in Service "C" uniform as soon as you exit the Baggage Claim area. This is a JRC Marine awaiting your arrival who will drive you to Camp Foster to start the in-processing period.

In the event a JRC Marine is not there, look for a blue and red sign with information regarding how to contact the JRC Duty to have a Marine pick you up. Courtesy phones are located behind the Information Desk.

Currency Conversion

You can purchase Yen at the bank of the Ryukyus, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m., closed Saturday, Sunday and Japanese holidays. Next to the bank there is an ATM open 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. After hours and on Japanese holidays you can purchase up to 5,000 Yen at the Information Counter.

Taxi Transportation

A taxi is available right outside the baggage area for transportation to all military installation. Be sure to use the one at the end of the line listed with a Number 8. The cost for a taxi to the Kadena/Foster area range between 5,000 - 8,000 Yen (roughly $50-$80).

Arriving at Camp Fuji

Camp Fuji is located at the base of Mount Fuji, approximately 2250 feet above sea level. Camp Fuji is only 96 km from Tokyo, a city of 12 million.

Arrival Through Narita International Airport

If you fly into Narita International Airport, and need to contact Camp Fuji, assistance can be provided by the Japanese Civilian/Military Liaison. The Japanese Civilian/Military Liaison is located at the Northwest Airline counter on the first deck. There is a telephone available. Just pick up the receiver and ask the operator to connect you with Camp Fuji DSN: 315-224-8475/8575 (Camp Fuji CDO), or DSN: 315-224-8332/8334 (S-1) | Comm.: 011-81-550-89-6102/6104 (ask the Camp Fuji operator for ext. 475/575 (CDO), or ext. 332/334 S-1)). 

Once connected with Camp Fuji, ask to speak with the S-1 during normal working hours or the Command Duty Officer for after working hours.

Arrival Through Yokota Air Force Base

If you fly into Yokota Air Force Base, contact the Navy/Marine ATCO office in the terminal for assistance in getting transportation to Camp Fuji.

If a vehicle is not waiting for you or the Navy/Marine ATCO is closed, use the free DSN lines in the terminal to contact the Camp Fuji CDO at DSN 315-224-8475 or 8575.

To reach the Base Operator:

• Camp Foster: DSN: 315-620-1110 or 640-1110 
• Commercial: Marine South - 011-81-98-970-5555 plus 7 digit DSN number or Marine North - 011-81-98-954-5555 plus 7 digit DSN number.