July 31, 2026

Akahata has confirmed that MV-22 Ospreys stationed at the U.S. Futenma base in Okinawa recently returned from military operations in the Middle East, primarily in the Hormuz Strait, in connection with the U.S. attacks on Iran.

As 20 Ospreys are normally stationed at the Futenma base, the return of the tilt-rotor aircraft fleet will inevitably increase noise pollution and the risk of accidents around the base.

In mid-March, Ospreys were loaded on the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (homeported at the U.S. Navy Sasebo Base, Nagasaki Pref.) and dispatched to the Middle East. The U.S. troops centering on the amphibious ship Tripoli engaged in the military campaign against Iran, such as the naval blockade, boarding and search of vessels, and precision airstrikes.

According to the U.S. Navy, the USS Tripoli, which had taken part in military operations in the Middle East after loading the Ospreys in Okinawa, and the dock landing ship USS Rushmore made a port call on July 22 and July 23, respectively, at the U.S. White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa’s Uruma City for disembarkation of U.S. servicemen and vehicles. This suggests that an aviation unit assigned to the Futenma base returned to the base.

Past related article:
> Tamura: Gov’t should ban use of US bases in Japan for US-Israeli war on Iran [March 15 & 17, 2026]