COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Japan – Lt. Col. Ricardo Miagany, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, visited the mayors of Susono City, Gotemba City and Oyama Town in the vicinity of Camp Fuji June 15.
The purpose of the visits was to discuss the Artillery Relocation Training Program 2011 at the East Fuji Maneuver Area and to assure local governments that training will be conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
During the visits with the mayors, Miagany emphasized the commitment of the Marine Corps to conducting training in a safe and responsible manner that meets operational needs and acknowledges its role as a member of the local community.
Miagany also expressed that the Marines are committed to being good neighbors and will work hard to mitigate the impact to local communities while still meeting the Regiment’s required training objectives and upholding their alliance.
“I am honored that you are taking your time to see me,” said Masahide Komiyama, the mayor of Oyama Town, to Miagany. “We have been briefed on the conduct of the training.”
“I hope that Marines will conduct themselves in a courteous and responsible manner, that nobody will be injured, and that the training will be conducted safely,” said Komiyama.
Yohei Wakabayashi, the mayor of Gotemba City, expressed his thanks for Miagany’s visit and hopes that the Marines’ training here will be a success.
“As always, safety is a top priority,” said Wakabayashi. “Please be sure that every Marine takes care of themselves during the training.”
“I hope the training will be conducted safely and successfully,” said Wakabayashi.
Miagany exchanged gifts with the local leaders and also shared his gratitude for allowing 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, to conduct their training at the East Fuji Maneuver Area.
“We will conduct our training safely in order to ensure operational readiness,” said Miagany.
Artillery live-fire training was relocated from Okinawa in accordance with a U.S.-Japan agreement to limit the impact of U.S. forces on Okinawa prefecture. Training has been conducted at government of Japan-approved sites on mainland Japan since 1997 with the understanding and cooperation of local governments.
The live-fire portion of ARTP 11-1 is scheduled to begin June 18.