Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called for the plan to move Okinawa-based Marines to Guam to proceed, in remarks he made Oct. 24 during a
Tokyo press conference. But even as that long-standing mission ends, Mullen said, good military cooperation between the U.S. and Japan will remain a high priority. “This is a vital relationship,” Mullen said. “Whether it’s missile defense or counter-piracy, we’re looking for ways to strengthen bonds.” Mullen noted that Japanese assets have contributed to training, refueling and resupply activities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The two nations also continue to work together to keep North Korea from becoming a nuclear power, and to promote peaceful relations with China.
