Marking a new precedent in the region, units of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) established an advanced forward arming and refueling point (FARP) on Yonaguni Island, Japan, at the end of October during Joint Exercise 07 with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The exercise takes place amid heightened military activity in the region, including a significant deployment of U.S. and Chinese military assets in response to a potential action targeting the island of Taiwan.
This particular deployment draws attention to the chosen location—Yonaguni Island, Japan’s westernmost island and the closest to Taiwan—considering that for the United States it is a key point for conducting forward operations. On this basis, on October 27, Heavy Helicopter Squadron HMH-462 and Marine Wing Support Squadron MWSS-172, belonging to Marine Aircraft Group MAG-36 of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), established a FARP on the island for the first time, highlighting the U.S. commitment to the region and its strategic allies.
According to the U.S. Marine Corps, FARPs allow aircraft—fixed-wing or rotary-wing—to be refueled and rearmed in forward environments, extending their range and capability during expeditionary operations. “No Marine CH-53E had ever landed this far southwest in Japan, nor had a FARP been established there. This operation not only validated that MAG-36 heavy helicopters can generate operational tempo wherever the commander needs them, but also represented a major step forward in the relationship between the Marines and the JGSDF,” stated Major Patrick X. Kelly, executive officer of HMH-462.
It is relevant to note that the FARP on Yonaguni Island also demonstrated the ability of the 1st MAW to support shared objectives between the two countries anywhere along the First Island Chain. In the Indo-Pacific region, these points enable the projection of power and support for operations such as disaster relief or contingencies alongside the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. “Our ability to quickly establish and dismantle these sites in austere environments enhances our response and support for critical operations in the region, particularly alongside our partners in the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. This combined capability demonstrates our commitment to regional security and humanitarian assistance.”
The operation began with the transport of Marines from MWSS-172 by HMH-462 CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and equipment from Okinawa to Camp Yonaguni, supported by a KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft. After landing, personnel quickly deployed the TAGRS (Tactical Aviation Ground Refueling System) to establish the FARP. They then demonstrated its functionality by refueling the heavy-lift helicopters. Once the operation was completed, the Marines dismantled the FARP and were extracted back to Okinawa.
Finally, it is relevant to mention that the U.S. Marine Corps plays an active role in Japan, with this activity adding to many others carried out in the country—and especially on Yonaguni Island. An example of this occurred last year, when the AN/TPS-80 ground/air task-oriented radar was deployed there during an exercise. Additionally, attention has been drawn to the deployment of F-35B stealth fighters to Japan from the United States this past March, a particular detail that observers suggest could support FARP operations on Japan’s islands.
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