Awase Airfield

Military operational shift and consolidation. The airfield's primary function as a landing strip became obsolete as its role evolved into a critical communications hub. Aviation activities were consolidated at other major Okinawan bases like Kadena Air Base, and the land was repurposed for the communications mission before being returned to Japan.

The site has been completely redeveloped for civilian use following its phased return to the Japanese government, with a major portion returned in 2010. The former airfield and communications station grounds are now occupied by several public and recreational facilities, most notably:

* **Awase Meadows Golf Course:** A popular golf course that covers a large portion of the former base.
* **Okinawa City Multi-Purpose Arena (Koza Sports Park):** A modern arena and sports complex built on the northern part of the returned land.
* **Commercial and Residential Development:** Portions of the land have been zoned for new commercial centers and housing.

Awase Airfield has a significant history tied to the US military presence in Okinawa.

1. **World War II:** The airfield was originally constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army. It was seized by the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Division during the Battle of Okinawa in April 1945. Immediately after its capture, it was repaired and put into service by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).

2. **Post-War Operations:** In the immediate post-war period, it served as a base for light liaison and reconnaissance aircraft, such as the Piper L-4 Grasshopper and Stinson L-5 Sentinel, which were vital for command and control, artillery spotting, and medical evacuation.

3. **Cold War Communications Hub:** Its most prominent role was as the **Awase Communications Station** (also known as Awase Air Station). It became a key node in the U.S. Army's strategic communications network in the Pacific, housing large AN/FLR-9 Wullenweber "Elephant Cage" antenna arrays for signals intelligence and high-frequency direction finding. While the communications facility thrived, the airstrip itself saw diminishing use, primarily serving the Army's recreational flying club before aviation activities ceased entirely.

4. **ICAO Code Note:** The ICAO code 'JP-1987' is an unofficial, non-standard identifier, likely assigned by third-party aviation database compilers (like OurAirports.com) for cataloging purposes after the official codes were defunct. It was never an official ICAO assignment.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Awase Airfield. The land has been fully and permanently redeveloped for high-value civilian purposes, including major recreational and sports infrastructure. The original runway and aviation facilities were demolished decades ago, and the area is now integrated into the urban landscape of Okinawa City.