U.S. military bases on Okinawa will be on lockdown for 48 hours starting Wednesday for what officials call an “operational pause” after a Marine was arrested in connection with the death of a local woman.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, issued the order on Tuesday.
“During this 48 hour period, we will cease operations and we will not allow off-base liberty, including a complete prohibition of alcohol consumption on or off base,” Gen. Watson said in his letter to U.S. military personnel on Okinawa.
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Commanders and senior enlisted leaders will use the 48-hour pause to set clear expectations and reinforce the importance of standards and discipline. Gen. Watson said serving on the island comes with responsibility.
“We live, work, and socialize alongside the people of Okinawa; their home is our home. Every interaction with our neighbors either builds or undermines the trust that is essential to our team,” he said. “When that trust is damaged, it affects the strength of our alliance and the security of this region.”
Lance Cpl. Devin Ballard was arrested Sunday on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, who was killed the day before at a hotel in Naha, Okinawa’s capital city. He is also accused of stealing her wallet and backpack. Lance Cpl. Ballard has denied killing Ms. Yagi, according to Japanese police.
Leaders will use the time to stress topics like liberty policy, enforcement mechanisms, alcohol awareness, and the responsibility of being part of an international alliance.
“Every member of this force must understand that individual conduct has consequences,” Gen. Watson said.
Following the 48-hour training stand-down, off-post liberty for all troops will expire at midnight for a period of 30 days. Commanders will also institute tighter security at all bases, officials said.
“Liberty is a privilege and a collective responsibility,” Gen. Watson said. “You must be back on base in your assigned quarters or at your off-base domicile from midnight to 5 a.m.”
The killing of Ms. Yagi has prompted renewed protests about the heavy U.S. military presence on Okinawa and calls from government officials in Tokyo for America’s cooperation in the Japanese investigation.
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