U.S. Marines to leave Okinawa

The Japanese Diet has recently ratified the Agreement between the United States and Japan on the relocation of the U.S. Marines that have been on Okinawa since 1945. Secretary Clinton and Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone signed the agreement on 17 February 2009. This realignment will relocate the 8,000 Marines and dependents to Guam. There are currently more than 24,000 U.S. service members and dependents located on Okinawa. The Island is home to all four branches of U.S. Military.