U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is seen in this Jan. 16, 2016 file photo. The area in the left foreground is a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force facility. (Mainichi/Tomohisa Yazu)

       IWAKUNI, Yamaguchi -- In response to a U.S. warship's port call at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni here, four local civic groups lodged complaints with the Iwakuni Municipal Government on Nov. 22 saying that the port call threatens residents' lives.

       The port call by the USS America, an amphibious assault ship, was criticized by three residents' groups who object to the base's growing military capabilities.

       In an emergency request made by three of the organizations, including Atagoyama o mamoru kai (Group to protect Mount Atago), the group's head said, "Amphibious assault ships have the ability to attack enemy territory, and if port calls become regular practice, Iwakuni base could become a target of retribution," and therefore "limitations should be put in place on the operation of the base's port facilities."

       Furthermore, Setonaikai no shizuka na kankyo o mamoru jumin nettowaku (Residents' network to protect a quiet environment in the Seto Inland Sea) said that "Iwakuni port is being promoted as a military port, and as a hub for transporting supplies," and demanded that the municipal government protest the port calls.

       The USS America entered the Iwakuni base's port facility on Nov. 18 and left on Nov. 22.

       (Japanese original by Norio Oyama, Iwakuni Local Bureau)

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