TODAY’s Variety article (Wednesday, July 18) regarding the passage through Guam of a ship carrying "Ospreys" to Okinawa could have great significance for Guam.
According to media reports, the Marines plan on basing24 V-22 tilt rotor Ospreys at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma by September of this year, but have been meeting considerable resistance to the move by the people of Okinawa.
For further information, readers may want to go to:
- www.battleland.blogs.time.com – search for "No Love For The Marines' v-22 In Japan"
- www.japantimes.co.jp – search for "Shipload of Ospreys on the way"
The V-22 would replace the venerable and short-range CH-46 troop carrying helicopters now at Futenma. With its 2,300 mile range, the Ospreys could be based at Northwest Field, Guam, and still be in range of likely trouble spots in Asia. The increased range of the Ospreys strengthens greatly the case for moving Futenma to Northwest Field. Movement of Futenma to Guam would bring 4,000 Marines and their families to Guam, and get the buildup back on track. Resounding defeat of the Fab Five is the best way to signal to the Marines and Congress the majority of Guamanians' willingness to host the Futenma Marines.
Joe Guthrie,
Guam
