About this Unit
Headquarters Camp Courtney, located in Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan, serves as the headquarters for the 3rd Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. Established in the 1950s during the post-Korean War era, Camp Courtney became a vital command hub for U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the decades, the base has supported numerous military operations and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific. Today, it remains a cornerstone of U.S.-Japan security cooperation and regional stability in East Asia.
Historical Facts
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Named After Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr.: Camp Courtney honors Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr., a Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.
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Strategic Headquarters: Camp Courtney serves as the headquarters for the 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), playing a pivotal role in U.S. military operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Established in the 1950s: The camp was established in the late 1950s, following the end of World War II and the beginning of the U.S. military presence on Okinawa.
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Role in the Cold War: During the Cold War, Camp Courtney was a key forward base, supporting U.S. military commitments throughout Southeast Asia, including the Vietnam War.
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Community Engagement: Camp Courtney is known for community relations activities, such as the annual Courtney Fest, which fosters goodwill between U.S. personnel and Okinawan residents.
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Earthquake-Resistant Structures: Due to Okinawa’s location in a seismic zone, many of Camp Courtney’s buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons.
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Historic Relocation of Units: Over the decades, Camp Courtney has hosted various Marine units, with its command and tenant units occasionally shifting due to broader U.S. force realignments in the region.
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Support for Humanitarian Missions: The camp has served as a staging area for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including responses to natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific.
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International Training Exercises: Marines based at Camp Courtney regularly participate in joint training exercises with Japanese Self-Defense Forces and other regional allies.
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Family-Oriented Facilities: The base features amenities like schools, a commissary, medical clinics, and recreational centers, supporting the well-being of military families stationed in Okinawa.
