CAMP FOSTER, Japan – Today, Mayor Atsushi Sakima of Ginowan City, Mayor Masaharu Noguni of Chatan Town and Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, signed a local implementation agreement at Building One here November 5. Talleri is commanding general, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, commanding general, Marine Corps Base Camp S.D. Butler.

The local implementation agreement allows residents of Ginowan City and Chatan Town access through Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Camp Foster in the event of a natural disaster. Access is allowed to Marine Corps facilities as part of a coordinated joint response effort to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.

During the ceremony Talleri said, “Today, we understand that our installation facilities and areas are far more than United States military enclaves. They are platforms for providing international humanitarian assistance and emergency relief.”

After the signing ceremony was complete, an evacuation exercise was conducted in a coordinated effort between Camp Foster personnel and Chatan Town participants. The evacuation route utilized during the exercise is one of the designated routes agreed upon in the signing.

Talleri also added, “You may be assured that the Marine Corps is committed to doing everything we can to be prepared to respond in the event of a natural disaster. Not only are we allies, but we are partners, friends, and neighbors. Identifying programs and solutions to issues of mutual interest is a sign of our strength and unity. This agreement serves to reinforce our commitment to cooperation.”

During the evacuation exercise approximately 75 residents of Chatan Town simulated the route through Camp Foster, reinforcing the importance of the agreement. In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster, residents would utilize evacuation routes to reach safe, high ground.

High-resolution photos associated with the signing will be available later today for download on the III MEF/MCIPAC Flickr website at the link listed below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3mefpao/sets/72157631932692248/