Marine Corps Bases, Japan

Marine Corps Bases, Japan, comprise all Marine installations on Okinawa and mainland Japan, including Camp Butler, Camp Fuji, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. 
 
The strategic location of these installations earned them the nickname “Keystone of the Pacific.” 
 
Most Marines stationed in Japan belong to the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). The III MEF was formed during World War II, when it fought as the Marine Amphibious Force. In 1971, it was renamed 
and moved to Okinawa.