The United States is committed to reducing its forces in Okinawa as much as possible, Adm. Joseph W. Prueher, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, said in an interview Monday with The Japan Times.
"Working with Japan, we will make the footprint of our forces as small and as efficient as we possibly can, commensurate with our operational capabilities," Prueher said. "We try to treat (the people) like we would at home," Prueher explained, noting the Japanese want a strong defense, but they don't want to live in landing patterns.
Prueher said there has been considerable progress in implementing the recommendations of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa. He noted that 13 of the 27 SACO proposals have been accomplished.