Guam - Secretary of defense Chuck Hagel announced that the U.S. and Japan have a new consolidation plan for Okinawa. The plan is a key step in implementing the 2006 Realignment Roadmap which includes the relocation of marines from Okinawa to Guam. The plan outlines every step needed for consolidating U.S. forces in Okinawa and gives conditions-based dates for the return of land.

Hagel says 2,500 acres being used by U.S. forces will be returned to Japan. The returns are essential step in the realignment agreement. Once replacement facilities are constructed and troops are moved to Guam and Hawaii, additional properties will be returned.  As a result of delays with the construction of a Futenma Replacement Facility and obstacles in the U.S. Senate as we all the impact of sequestration, the buildup has been delayed to possibly the year 2020.