Yomitan Airfield

Military to civilian land return. The airfield was closed as part of the SACO (Special Action Committee on Okinawa) agreement between the United States and Japan to consolidate and reduce the U.S. military footprint on the island. Its functions, primarily parachute drop training for U.S. Special Forces, were relocated to Ie Jima Auxiliary Airfield.

The former airfield site has been completely redeveloped for civilian use. It now hosts the Yomitan Village municipal office, a fire station, community centers, sports facilities, schools, commercial businesses, and residential housing. The main road through the new development follows the path of the former primary runway. Some historical markers and small remnants of the airfield are preserved to commemorate its past.

Yomitan Airfield holds significant historical importance, particularly from World War II. Originally built by the Imperial Japanese Army and named Kita Airfield (North Airfield), it was a primary objective for American forces during the Battle of Okinawa. On April 1, 1945, U.S. Marine Corps divisions landed and captured the airfield on the first day of the invasion (Operation Iceberg). It was quickly repaired, expanded, and renamed Yomitan Airfield. It became a major base for the U.S. Army Air Forces, hosting numerous fighter (P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt) and bomber (B-29 Superfortress) groups that played a crucial role in the final air campaign against mainland Japan. After the war, it was retained by the U.S. military as Yomitan Auxiliary Airfield, used for communications and as a key training ground for parachute operations.

None. There are no plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The land has been fully and permanently redeveloped for municipal, commercial, and residential purposes, making any return to aviation use infeasible.