English: Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territory Affairs Aiko Shimajiri, center, poses with Col. Peter Lee and Ginowan City Mayor Atsushi Sakima Dec. 12 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The three along with other key staff from the Okinawa Defense Bureau and Government of Japan discussed the successful on-going land return projects. Shimajiri remarked to the Lee that she was proud of the alliance between Japan and the U.S. as a whole, and also for the many volunteer activities and programs that Marines participate in with the surrounding communities. Shimajiri toured MCAS Futnema as well as Camps’ Kinser and Foster, and met with each base’s commander during her visit. Lee is the commander of MCAS Futenma. These land return projects are all part of Marine Corps Installations Pacific which is the strength behind America’s ability to respond quickly to crisis in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. MCIPAC strengthens power projection with our allies and partners; enables the strategic launch and recovery of military capabilities to save lives and to preserve regional peace, stability and security; and enables operating force readiness to guarantee victory. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Royce Dorman/Released)