By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, December 16, 2015 — The United States and Japan agreed in principle to a new five-year package of host-nation support for U.S. armed forces stationed in Japan, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters today.
Under the cost-sharing agreement, Japan will spend about 189.9 billion yen annually, or about $1.6 billion, Davis said, adding that Japan’s funding maintains “a stable level.”
The agreement takes effect April 1, 2016, and will directly support the operational readiness of U.S. forces in Japan, a DoD official said.
Support Aids U.S. in Asia-Pacific Rebalance
“What’s important to note is by [Japan] covering a share of our costs for the base workforce, utilities, training relocation and facilities improvement, this host-nation support package will help sustain the U.S. military presence in Japan, a key part of the United States’ rebalance to Asia and the Pacific,” Davis said.
“We appreciate the cooperation embodied in Japan’s host-nation support,” he added. “This package will complement a series of significant accomplishments that have strengthened our alliance over the past year.”
Japan’s continued support to making important financial contributions to the alliance with the United States is important to both nations, he said.
“We both derive significant strategic benefit out of it,” Davis said. “The alliance has served us well for decades, and we’re glad it’s going to continue to be positioned going forward for success.”