This visit provided Nakatani the opportunity to meet station officials and view the development of the station.

Col. Robert V. Boucher, MCAS Iwakuni commanding officer, greeted Nakatani as he arrived at Building One, where they sat and discussed the future changes scheduled to be made to the station.

“I think this visit highlights the significance of the strategic importance of the base,” said Boucher.

As the defense minister of Japan, Nakatani was well aware of the scope of changes that was taking place at the station.

Boucher said he was really impressed seeing with his own eyes exactly how much construction was going on in such a compressed area.

During this visit, Nakatani toured the air traffic control tower as it is the best vantage point for him to be able to see the entire base and then visited Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 facilities because they were the first unit that was transitioned here with all the new development.

“Him seeing the success of the air station development first-hand will help him keep it on track from the government of Japan’s perspective,” said Boucher.

Being such a high ranking individual, Nakatani’s visit to the station highlights the importance of this base to both Japan and the U.S.