Perhaps the most unique characteristic about Okinawa is that unlike most duty stations, MCB Camp Butler is physically separated throughout the island into a number of different camps. For example, the distance between the northernmost camp, Camp Gonsalves, and the southernmost camp, Camp Kinser, is over 50 miles. On the winding roads of Okinawa, the distance is considerably longer. As with Camp Gonsalves and Camp Kinser, all the Marine Corps camps on the island and Camp Fuji on mainland Japan, fall under the one title, MCB Camp Butler.
Most Marines stationed on Okinawa belong to the III Marine Expeditionary Force, III MEF, headquartered at Camp Courtney. The III MEF activated during World War II (1942), where it fought as the Marine Amphibious Force. It carried this name through Vietnam, after which it re-settled in Okinawa in 1971. Within the III MEF's four major elements are several major subordinate commands, including: the 3d Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3d Force Service Support Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the HQ & SVC BN, III MEF.
Main
phone numbers: 011-81-611-745-8395 or DSN 645-8395
Mailing
Address: MCB Camp Butler, Unit 35001, FPO AP 96373
