US Marines commander at Japan base sacked
The Commanding Officer at a US Marine base on the Japanese island of Okinawa has been fired over a ‘loss of trust,’ the US Marines said on 5 June.
A brief statement said Colonel Mark S. Coppess had been relieved of duty as Commanding Officer of the Futenma base ‘due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead his command.’
There was no immediate comment or further detail from the Marines on why Coppess had been dismissed, but a US defence official told AFP it had nothing to do with a string of accidents that have plagued military aircraft in Japan.
In February 2018, the Commander of the Marines' Japan-based Osprey squadron was fired after several accidents involving the hybrid aircraft.
The most serious, in 2017, involved the crash of an MV-22 Osprey off the east coast of Australia.
The issues involving US military aircraft in Japan have stoked tension over the US military presence in the country.
Okinawa hosts the bulk of some 47,000 US troops based in Japan, and their presence has been a source of friction with residents.
The prefecture was the site of a major World War II battle that was followed by a 27-year US occupation of the island, and it would serve as a launchpad for any American military activity in Asia.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
