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79-439: Ching Chuan Kang Air Base is shared with Taichung International Airport ( IATA : RMQ , ICAO : RCMQ ). The forerunner to CCK Air Base was built in 1936, during Japanese rule , in the vicinity of Kōkan (Japanese: 公館), hence the former name Kōkan Airport . Construction of the airfield started in 1954, and was given the highest priority of several projects begun after the situation between Taiwan and Mainland China became tense in

158-467: A humid subtropical climate bordering on a tropical rainforest climate . The climate supports a dense Subtropical forest in the northern Yanbaru National Park . A rainy season occurs in the late spring. There are many local pubs ( izakaya ) and cafes that serve Okinawan cuisine and dishes, such as gōyā chanpurū (bitter melon stir fry), fu chanpurū (wheat gluten chanpurū ), and tonkatsu (tenderized, breaded, fried pork cutlet). Okinawan soba

237-794: A pacifist country with the 1947 constitution , so America was obligated to protect Japan against foreign threats. During the American military occupation of Japan (1945–1952), which followed the Imperial Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945, in Tokyo Bay, the United States controlled Okinawa Island and the rest of the Ryukyu Islands. The Amami Islands were returned to Japanese control in 1953. The remaining Ryukyu Islands were returned to Japan on 17 June 1971. America kept numerous U.S. military bases on

316-467: A C-130E - 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron 62-1800 crashed about 6 miles (9.65 km) south of Tainan Air Base . 2 October 1970, a c-130 departed Songshan Airport in Taipei with incoming Airforce personnel to CCK. It crashed 6 minutes after take off on top of a mountain and all on board were killed. That aircraft was one of two c-130 sent from CCK to Songshan Airport in Taipei to transport incoming personnel. I

395-780: A critical strategic location for the United States Armed Forces since the Battle of Okinawa and the end of World War II . The island was formally controlled by the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands until 1972, with around 26,000 U.S. military personnel stationed on Okinawa today, comprising about half of the total complement of the United States Forces Japan , spread among 31 areas, across 13 bases and 48 training sites. United States military installations cover approximately 25% of

474-460: A different segment of the old world. Virtually every individual of this world is infected with one or the other JCV subtype, by the time he/she reaches 10 years of age. This virus is isolated from urine, and another conjecture is that most children are infected from parents, and that too, through living at close quarters for years together. According to this conjecture, even if two different populations, say Americans and Japanese, were living together in

553-619: A high population density of 1,014.93/km . During the Meiji Period , Okinawan ethnic identity, tradition, culture and language were suppressed by the Meiji government , which sought to assimilate the Okinawans as Japanese ( Yamato ). Many ethnic Japanese have since migrated to Okinawa. The modern inhabitants of Okinawa are mainly ethnic Okinawan , Japanese, half Japanese and mixed. Okinawans are known for their longevity . This particular island

632-467: A large fire burned down sections of Shuri Castle : "Six castle buildings occupying some 4,200 square metres (45,000 sq ft) in total were gutted." Rebuilding efforts were underway as of 10 February 2020. As of September 2009, the Japanese government estimates the population at 1,384,762, which includes American military personnel and their families. The Okinawan language , called Uchināguchi ,

711-801: A positive growth of 4.7% from 9,396,200 in the previous year. The U.S. military bases account for 4 to 5% of the island economy. There is also a smaller contingent of Japanese military bases on the island. Several former U.S. military facilities on Okinawa have been re-developed as commercial areas, most notably the American Village in Chatan , which opened in 1998, and the Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom in Kitanakagusuku , which opened in 2015. The United States maintains American military bases in Japan as part of

790-455: A small number of endemic Yanbaru kuina (also known as the Okinawa rail), a small flightless bird that is close to extinction. The critically endangered Okinawa woodpecker is also endemic to the island. The Indian mongoose was introduced to the island to prevent the native habu pit viper from attacking the birds. It did not succeed in eliminating the habu but instead preyed on birds, increasing

869-529: Is a toll road that runs from Naha to Nago , and has a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph), the highest on the island. There are many ferries to many of the nearby islands, such as Ie Shima . Tomarin Port in Naha, has ferries to nearby islands such as Aguni , Tokashiki and Zamami . With Kunigami district , it has an area of 764 square kilometers (295 sq mi) and a population of about 120,000. There

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948-400: Is a so-called Blue Zone , an area where the people live longer than most others elsewhere in the world. Five times as many Okinawans reach 100 years old compared to the rest of Japan. As of 2002 there were 34.7 centenarians for every 100,000 inhabitants, which is the highest ratio worldwide. Possible explanations are diet, low-stress lifestyle, caring community, activity, and spirituality of

1027-473: Is also agriculture with tropical fruit such as Malpighia emarginata . Tourist attractions include Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (at one time the world's largest aquarium), Century Beach, Pineapple Park, the Orion Beer Factory and Hiji Falls . In recent years, Okinawa has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from China and Southeast Asia. In 2018, Okinawa attracted 9,842,400 tourists,

1106-548: Is an international airport located in Taichung , Taiwan , which is used for both commercial and military purposes. In 2023, it was the sixth busiest airport in Taiwan, with scheduled services to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, South Korea, and Vietnam. Taichung International Airport was constructed during the era of Japanese rule and was named Kōkan Airport ( Japanese : 公館空港 ) . The United States Air Force (USAF) had been garrisoning

1185-471: Is in the northeastern end of Okinawa Prefecture . Since 1972 over 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of land has been added via reclamation . It is roughly 640 kilometres (400 mi) south of the main island of Kyushu. Okinawa is connected to nearby islands near a land bridge: Katsuren Peninsula is connected via the Mid-Sea Road to Henza Island, Miyagi Island, Ikei Island, and Hamahiga Island. Similarly, from

1264-549: Is much nature with subtropical rainforest . With Nakagami district , it has an area of 280 square kilometers (110 sq mi) and a population of about 590,000. Most U.S. military facilities are located here. Urasoe has strong connections with the southern municipalities, including the Southern Wide Area Municipal Area Administrative Association, Nishihara town, Nakagusuku village, and Kitanakagusuku Village. These belong to

1343-549: Is spoken by adults only, but several local groups promote the use of the Okinawan language by younger people. Whereas the northern half of Okinawa Island is sparsely populated, the south-central and southern parts of the island are markedly urbanized —particularly the city of Naha and the urban corridor stretching north from there to Okinawa City . The population distribution is approximately 120,000 in northern Okinawa, 590,000 in central Okinawa and 540,000 in southern Okinawa. It has

1422-582: Is the largest of the Okinawa Islands and the Ryukyu ( Nansei ) Islands of Japan in the Kyushu region. It is the smallest and least populated of the five main islands of Japan . The island is approximately 106 kilometres (66 mi) long, an average 11 kilometres (7 mi) wide, and has an area of 1,206.98 square kilometers (466.02 sq mi). It is roughly 640 kilometres (350 nmi; 400 mi) south of

1501-427: Is the signature dish and consists of wheat noodles served hot in a soup, usually with pork (rib or pork belly). This contrasts with the mainland soba, which is buckwheat noodles. Rafute , which is braised pork belly, is another popular Okinawan dish. American presence on the island has also led to some creative dishes such as taco rice , which is now a common meal served in bentos , and the common use of spam . Among

1580-512: The 39th Air Division based at Misawa Air Base , Japan deployed a task force of reconnaissance aircraft to Kung Kuan AB, Taiwan. 1 August – 30 September 1961, F-102 Delta Dagger of 509th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron were deployed from Clark AB to Kung Kuan AB in Operation BIG TRUCK. 6 – 12 March 1962, 18th Tactical Fighter Wing aircraft deployed to Kung Kuan AB. While there they participated in exercise FLYING TIGER, March 10 – 17,

1659-540: The 405th Fighter Wing deployed F-102 Delta Dagger from Clark Air Base , Philippines to Kung Kuan AB. 14 – 28 March 1961, the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron from Kadena Air Base , Okinawa to Kung Kuan Air Base, Taiwan with McDonnell RF-101 Voodoo . 18 – 25 April 1961, 18th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed a detachment of 12th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Kadena Air Base , Okinawa to Kung Kuan Air Base with North American F-100 Super Sabre . 11 – 24 May 1961,

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1738-510: The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing aircraft were deployed to Kung Kuan AB (later Ching Chuan Kang). From 20 May – 13 June 1960, the Tactical Air Command (TAC) deployed the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing , 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Nellis Air Force Base , Nevada , to Kung Kuan AB. From 4–14 June 1960, the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed aircraft from Kadena Air Base , Okinawa to Kung Kuan AB. 4-11 December 1960,

1817-505: The 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was also deployed from Itazuke Air Base , Japan to Kung Kuan AB. 20-27 February 1963, The 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron was supported by Detachment 1, 6214th Air Base Group, Kung Kuan AB, during its deployment to Taiwan. 21 February 1963, 405th Fighter Wing deployed F-102 Delta Dagger to Kung Kuan AB for participation in SKY SOLDIER III. 13 March – 15 May 1963, The 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron

1896-662: The Amami Islands . In 1469, King Shō Taikyū died, so the royal government chose a man named Kanemaru as the new king, who chose the name Shō En and established the Second Shō Dynasty. His son Shō Shin conquered the Sakishima Islands and centralized the royal government, the military, and the noro priestesses. In 1609, the Japanese Satsuma Domain launched the invasion of Ryukyu , ultimately capturing

1975-593: The Far East at the time, allowing Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers to land. During the Vietnam War , CCK became a depot for the USAF. The US Military used CCK and Shuinan Airport to run many of its long-distance Vietnam, Cambodia and Laotian bombing, scouting and cargo transport runs during the Vietnam War era. This base was shut down and most American facilities were removed after the U.S. established diplomatic relations with

2054-501: The Gokoku-ji temple in Naha from 1846 to 1854. In 1879, Japan annexed the entire Ryukyu archipelago. The Meiji government then established Okinawa Prefecture . The monarchy in Shuri was abolished, and the deposed King Shō Tai was forced to relocate to Tokyo . Hostility against Japan increased in the islands immediately after the annexation, in part because of the systematic attempt on

2133-488: The Motobu Peninsula on the northwestern side, all of Sesoko-jima plus Yagaji Island and Kōri-jima are connected by bridges. Okinawa Island has several beaches such as Manza Beach, Emerald Beach, Okuma Beach, Zanpa Beach, Moon Beach and Sunset Beach (Chatan-cho). Mount Omoto , at 525.5 m (1,724 ft), is the highest mountain in Okinawa, with Mount Yonaha being the second highest. The Motobu Peninsula in

2212-542: The People's Republic of China in 1979. Construction of passenger facilities was completed in September 2003 and civilian services began on March 5, 2004, replacing the old Shuinan Airport located closer to downtown Taichung. Ching Chuan Kang Airport has since become the only airport serving Taichung. The airport was promoted to an international airport on January 3, 2017, and renamed Taichung International Airport. In 2003, with

2291-692: The SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft #61-17974 of the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing completed a supersonic high-altitude reconnaissance operation against North Vietnam , due to the bad weather at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa , two aircraft Under the cover of the KC-135Q aerial tanker, it landed at the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base early. During

2370-405: The prefectures of Japan , Okinawa has the youngest and fastest-growing population but has the lowest employment rate and average income. The island economy is primarily driven by tourism and the U.S. military presence, with efforts in recent years to diversify into other sectors. The Motobu Peninsula has a large-scale quarry and cement factory, taking advantage of the limestone in the area. There

2449-559: The 18th Wing dispatched the McDonnell Douglas F-4C/D Phantom II fighters of 44th Fighter Squadron and 67th Fighter Squadron to the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base until 31 May 1975, to assist Taiwan's defense against aerial threats from China. The following are the units that the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing once stationed at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taiwan： In March 1973, the number of US troops stationed at CCK

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2528-570: The Dutch, Nagasaki , Tsushima , and Kagoshima became the only Japanese trading ports offering connections with the outside world. At some time, karate came into existence as a type of systematized martial arts . Several Europeans visited Ryukyu starting in the late 18th century. The most important visits to Okinawa were from Captain Basil Hall in 1816 and Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1852. A Christian missionary, Bernard Jean Bettelheim , lived in

2607-806: The U.S.-Japan alliance since 1951. Most U.S. military is in Okinawa Prefecture. In 2013, there were approximately 50,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan with 40,000 dependents and 5,500 American civilians employed by the United States Department of Defense . About 26,000 U.S. military personnel are on Okinawa Island. There are 13 United States military bases on Okinawa Island. Approximately 62% of all United States bases in Japan are on Okinawa. They cover 25% of Okinawa island. The major bases are Futenma , Kadena , Hansen , Torii , Schwab , Foster , and Kinser . There are 28 U.S. military facilities on Okinawa. They are mainly concentrated in

2686-791: The United States Air Force Strategic Air Command 4220th Air Refueling Squadron deployed to CCK, bringing KC-135 tankers formerly based at Takhli RTAFB , Thailand and Kadena AB Okinawa . The KC-135s were redeployed to permit increased B-52 operations at U-Tapao and F-111 deployment at Takhli. The move of the KC-135's to Ching Chuan Kang increased their effectiveness since they would be based nearer to Vietnam refueling areas. In addition, five U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield based radio relay aircraft were moved to Ching Chuan Kang by February 1968, along with approximately 450 additional USAF personnel. On 21 March 1968, after

2765-851: The base to provide passenger and cargo airlift throughout the Far East and combat airlift in Southeast Asia. The 314th TAW returned to Little Rock AFB , Arkansas in 1971. The 314th was replaced by the Pacific Air Forces 374th Tactical Airlift Wing on 31 May 1971, being reassigned from Naha AB , Okinawa, with CCK becoming a major depot support facility in Asia for theater-based tactical airlift aircraft. Known squadrons were: The 374th remained heavily committed to support of operations in Southeast Asia , and also continued routine airlift in other areas. One of

2844-541: The base with two fighter squadrons until the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty came into force on March 3, 1955. The airport then expanded in 1954 according to the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty , and later renamed Ching Chuan Kang Air Base (CCK) after General Qiu Qingquan . In 1966 the American Air Force established a joint forces air-base at CCK. It was the largest air force base in

2923-413: The bases out of core areas following incidents involving military personnel and resultant protests (including the 1995 Okinawa rape incident ). In 2012, an agreement was struck between the United States and Japan to reduce the number of U.S. military personnel on the island, moving 9,000 personnel to other locations and moving bases out of heavily populated Greater Naha, but 10,000 Marines will remain on

3002-402: The central area. At one point, Okinawa hosted approximately 1,200 nuclear warheads. There were several nuclear weapons incidents on Okinawa and in the sea near the islands. In 1997, the peculiar inhabitant population of this island [both Americans and Japanese living together since 1945] was used to prove a curious conjecture. By that time nine subtypes of JC virus had been found, each from

3081-543: The civilian population – were either killed or committed suicide during the Battle of Okinawa and the Pacific War. Very few Japanese ended up in POW camps . This may have been because of Japanese soldiers' reluctance to surrender. The total number of casualties shocked American military strategists. This made them apprehensive to invade the other main islands of Japan, because it would result in very high casualties. Japan became

3160-560: The demand to develop cross-strait and other international air routes from Taichung City, it was decided to transfer the airport from Shuinan Airport (TXG) to RMQ; since RMQ had been for the airbase for the Republic of China Air Force , the Taiwanese Civil Aeronautics Administration held negotiations with the air force, which led to the air force allowing an edge for building a new civilian terminal. The first terminal

3239-660: The early 1970s, according to a U.S. government report, Okinawa was a key conduit for smuggling drugs such as heroin from Thailand via Okinawa to the United States. It was called "The Okinawa System" in the global drug trade. A testimony by a head of the Department of Defense said that drug abuse was "quite extensive." It began in the second half of 1968; marijuana was smuggled from Thailand to Okinawa and grown near an unidentified U.S. Marine Corps training area in northern Okinawa. A 100 kg (220 lb) package of marijuana fell from an aircraft, and another 90 kg (200 lb)

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3318-418: The early 1990s. The Starfighters were operated by the 2nd/499th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hsinchu , the 3rd/427th TFW at Ching Chuan Kang AB, and the 5th/401st Tactical Combined Wing at Taoyuan. In May 1999 it was reported that China had built a replica of Ching Chuan Kang AB at a site near Dingxin airport ( 40°22′44″N 99°53′24″E  /  40.379°N 99.89°E  / 40.379; 99.89 ) in

3397-651: The effort to consolidate the American troop presence on the island, though away from urban Naha. In December 2016 the U.S. returned 10,000 acres (40 km ; 16 sq mi) of the Northern Training Area on Okinawa to Japan. This reduced the footprint of the U.S. forces by 20% on the island. It was the biggest land return since 1972. Okinawa has various historical buildings and monuments, such as feudal castles, ruins, UNESCO, and other historical significant sites. There are multiple festivals on Okinawa throughout

3476-432: The inhabitants of the island. The Okinawan diet consists of low-fat, low-salt foods, such as whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, tofu, and seaweed. Okinawa is the fifth largest island of Japan. The island has an area of 1,206.99 square kilometers (466.02 sq mi). The coastline is 476 kilometers (296 mi) long. The straight-line distance is about 106.6 kilometers (66.2 mi) from north to south. Okinawa

3555-471: The island (who demand no U.S. troops at all anywhere on the island). Tokyo says the U.S. bases are important for national security. Locals complain that despite being home to less than 1% of Japan's population and area, Okinawa hosts the majority of the U.S. military presence in Japan. In late December 2013, Governor Hirokazu Nakaima gave permission for land reclamation to begin for a new U.S. military base at Henoko, reneging on previous promises and furthering

3634-425: The island, along with other U.S. military units. Attempts to completely close bases on the southern third of the island, where 90% of the population lives (all but about 120,000 people ) have been impeded by both the American desire that alternative locations be found where bases subject to closure could move to (e.g. Henoko Peninsula , mid-island), as well as by local Okinawan opposition to any suggested locations on

3713-400: The island. Early Okinawan history is defined by midden or shell heap culture and is divided into Early, Middle, and Late Shell Mound periods. The Early Shell Mound period was a hunter-gatherer society, with the wave-like opening Jōmon pottery . In the latter part of this period, archaeological sites moved near the seashore, suggesting the engagement of people in fishing. On Okinawa, rice

3792-545: The islands. There are 32 United States military bases on Okinawa Island by the U.S.-Japan alliance since 1951. U.S. bases on Okinawa played critical roles in the Korean War , Vietnam War , Laotian Civil War , Cambodian campaign , War in Afghanistan , and Iraq War . Okinawa served as a prime staging post for the aforementioned wars. Its ports and airports were used to transport supplies. The base at Camp Chinen, Nanjo City

3871-485: The king and his capital after a long struggle. Ryukyu was forced to cede the Amami Islands and become a vassal of Satsuma. The kingdom became both a tributary of China and a tributary of Japan. Because China would not make a formal trade agreement unless a country was a tributary state, the kingdom was a convenient loophole for Japanese trade with China. When Japan officially closed off trade with European nations except for

3950-510: The kingdom. They assisted the Ryukyuans in developing their technology and diplomatic relations. In 1407, however, a man named Hashi overthrew Satto's descendant, King Bunei , and installed his father, Shishō , as king of Chūzan. In 1429, King Shō Hashi completed the unification of the three kingdoms and founded the Ryūkyū Kingdom with its capital at Shuri Castle . His descendants conquered

4029-481: The kingdoms of Hokuzan and Nanzan declared independence from Chūzan . The three kingdoms competed with one another for recognition and trade with Ming China . King Satto , leading Chūzan, was very successful, establishing relations with Korea and Southeast Asia as well as China. The Hongwu Emperor sent 36 families from Fujian in 1392 at the request of the Ryukyuan king. Their job was to manage maritime dealings in

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4108-421: The main island of Kyushu and the rest of Japan. It is 500 km (270 nmi; 310 mi) northeast of Taiwan . The total population of Okinawa Island is 1,384,762. The greater Naha area has roughly 800,000 residents, while the city itself has about 320,000 people. Naha is the seat of Okinawa Prefecture on the southwestern part of Okinawa Island. Okinawa has a humid subtropical climate . Okinawa has been

4187-469: The mid-1950s. The air base was renamed Ching Chuan Kang Air Base on 20 March 1966 in memory of ROC Army Gen. Qiu Qingquan , and was thereafter known throughout the theater by its initials, CCK. As of the late 1990s, the longest runway at CCK was reportedly 12,000 feet (3,700 m) long. Taiwan obtained an initial batch of American F-104 Starfighters in 1960–61, and eventually received over 200 of these aircraft, all of which were withdrawn from service in

4266-593: The new 1,000 man dining hall. On 2 February 1966, 6217th Combat Support Group was established in CCK. The following are the units that the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing once stationed at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taiwan： Tactical Air Command reassigned the 314th Troop Carrier Wing , with Fairchild C-123 Providers and Lockheed C-130 Hercules to CCK on 22 January 1966 from Sewart AFB , Tennessee . Known squadrons were: These aircraft remained deployed to

4345-473: The north has limestone layers and karst development. In the center and south is mainly a Ryukyu limestone layer and mudstone. The topography is flat, there are few hills over 100 m (328 ft) with very few rivers. The subtropical rains accelerate erosion so there are many drainages and uvala . The southern end of the island consists of uplifted coral reef , whereas the northern half has proportionally more igneous rock . The easily eroded limestone of

4424-676: The northwest province of Gansu, presumably to train units assigned to attack the Taiwanese facility in the event of conflict. The base is also currently home to the AH-1W attack helicopters of the Army's 602nd Brigade. Republic of China Air Force [REDACTED] During the Cold War , CCK was used by the United States Air Force as a support installation of United States Taiwan Defense Command . At

4503-612: The part of Japan to eliminate Ryukyuan culture, including the language, religion, and cultural practices. Okinawa Island had the bloodiest ground battle of the Pacific War from 1 April to 22 June 1945. During this 82-day-long battle, about 95,000 Imperial Japanese Army troops and 20,195 Americans were killed. The Cornerstone of Peace at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman lists 149,193 persons from Okinawa – approximately one quarter of

4582-508: The population center moved from the seashore to higher places. This period is called the Gusuku period. Gusuku is a term used for the distinctive Ryukyuan form of castles or fortresses. Many gusukus and related cultural remains in the Ryukyu Islands have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites . There are three perspectives regarding the nature of gusukus : that they were holy places, dwellings encircled by stones, and castles of

4661-651: The process, it also used the call sign of one of the KC-135Q to avoid the PRC ’s surveillance. When it entered the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, the SR-71 pilots Major Jerry O'Malley and Colonel Ed Payne requested permission from the tower to land, and landed in the middle of the two KC-135Qs at a speed of 175 knots, and immediately after landing The photographed film is transported to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo , by C-130 transporter for processing. It

4740-577: The rulers. In this period, porcelain trade between Okinawa and other countries became commonplace, and Okinawa was an important relay point in eastern-Asian trade. Ryukyuan kings, such as Shunten and Eiso , were important rulers. An attempted Mongolian invasion in 1291 during the Eiso Dynasty failed. Hiragana was imported from Japan by Ganjin in 1265. Noro , village priestesses of the Ryukyuan religion , appeared. The Sanzan period began in 1314 when

4819-571: The same area, but not within the same family, the individuals would not cross-infect one another. Okinawa island proved an ideal place to test this conjecture. No evidence was found that Japanese children were infected with American type JCV, although they had been living at the same island as the Americans. Since it is assumed now that JCV subtypes are virtually unique to each world area, it is now used to determine human migration patterns. In 2020, tests around Kadena Air Base showed severe contamination of

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4898-589: The same time, it was also the largest air base of the US military stationed in Taiwan, with about 6,000-8,000 US troops stationed. In 1954, the US Military Assistance Advisory Group, Taiwan (MAAG, Taiwan) was stationed at the base. USAF use of the base began in 1958 with the deployment of twelve Lockheed F-104 Starfighters from the 83d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron during the Quemoy crisis . The crisis

4977-455: The south has many caves, the most famous of which is Gyokusendō in Nanjō . The northernmost Cape Hedo is only 22 km (14 mi) away from Yoronjima . Cape Arasaki is the southernmost location of Okinawa island. It is sometimes confused with Cape Kiyanmisaki. The northern half of Okinawa has one of the largest tracts of subtropical rainforest in Asia called the Yanbaru . There are many endemic species of flora and fauna. There are

5056-469: The threat to the Okinawa rail. The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial hermit crab of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands. It is an endangered species due to over-hunting, which has made them scarce on Okinawa island. In 2021, coconut crabs were found to live in a small cave system on the islet Nagashima off the Henoko district. A small population of endangered dugongs lives around Okinawa. The estimates are between 3 and 50 survivors. The island has

5135-419: The uninhabited Senkaku Islands , the People's Republic of China began questioning Japan's sovereignty to the island of Okinawa, citing its past as the independent tributary state of Ryukyu. On 31 October 2019, the main courtyard structures of Shurijo were destroyed in a fire. It marked the fifth time that Shurijo was destroyed following previous incidents in 1453, 1660, 1709 and 1945. On 31 October 2019,

5214-453: The wells and waterways of Dakujaku River and Hija river with toxic chemicals PFAS . This affects the drinking water of 450,000 residents. PFAS was used in foam at fire fighting training sites on U.S. facilities during the 1970s and 1980s. The 1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement officially ended the U.S. military occupation on Okinawa. The bases primarily exist to serve Japanese and American strategic interests, despite recent efforts to move

5293-433: The wing's humanitarian missions-flood relief in the Philippines-earned it a Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation in 1972. The wing provided support in March 1973 for Operation Homecoming, the repatriation of American prisoners from Hanoi, North Vietnam. The increase in the B-52 Arc Light sortie rates over Vietnam necessitated relocation of additional KC-135's which provided PACAF fighter support. In February 1968

5372-636: The year. Naha Airport is the main transportation hub for the Ryukyu Islands and has an increasingly large role in regional logistics. All Nippon Airways opened a cargo hub at the airport in 2009, providing overnight freight service between Japan and other Asian countries. The Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) runs from Naha Airport to Japan's south-easternmost monorail station, Akamine Station , before heading to its final destination of Tedako-Uranishi Station ( Urasoe ) and back. There are multiple bus companies, such as Toyo Bus , Ryukyu Bus Kotsu , Naha Bus , and Okinawa Bus . The Okinawa Expressway

5451-427: Was about 5,000. 16 September 1973 - A 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4C aircraft crashed during a temporary duty assignment in Taiwan; the crewmembers safely ejected. 15 October 1973, an EF-4C 63-7462 of the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron crashed shortly after takeoff from CCK AB. On 13 November 1973, the 374th TAW was reassigned to Clark AB Philippines . On November 15, 1973, the 6217th Combat Support Group

5530-539: Was also the first long-range strategic reconnaissance plane that landed in Taiwan. And returned to Kadena Air base on 23 March. On 31 May 1968, the 6217th Combat Support Group was disbanded. Two Martin EB-57 Canberras from the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Yokota AB Japan deployed to CCK, between 29 November and 8 December 1968. These aircraft provided Republic of China Air Defense pilots an opportunity to detect and intercept enemy aircraft that used electronic countermeasure (ECM) equipment. 5 December 1969,

5609-631: Was completed in 2004, and all flights moved from TXG to RMQ soon afterwards. In 2008, officials decided to build another terminal. Terminal 2 now handles all international and cross-strait flights, while the older Terminal 1 serves domestic flights. The following airlines operate regular passenger flights at Taichung International Airport: [REDACTED] Media related to Taichung Airport at Wikimedia Commons Okinawa Island Okinawa Island ( 沖縄島 , Okinawa-jima , Okinawan : 沖縄/うちなー , Uchinaa Kunigami : ふちなー , Fuchináa ) , officially Okinawa Main Island ( 沖縄本島 , Okinawa-hontō ) ,

5688-452: Was discovered at a military post office. From the mid-1970s onwards, LSD and heroin became more prevalent. Deserters worked as "passport civilians" and smuggled the drugs into Okinawa. A lack of customs inspections made smuggling easy. There were well organized Ryukyuan smuggling rings who brought heroin, LSD, and marijuana to Okinawa, and produced LSD on the island. In 2013, following escalating tensions following competing claims to

5767-585: Was not cultivated until the Middle Shell Mound period. Shell rings for arms made of shells obtained in the Sakishima Islands , namely Miyakojima and Yaeyama islands , were imported by Japan. In these islands, the presence of shell axes from 2,500 years ago suggests the influence of a southeastern-Pacific culture. After the Late Shell Mound period, agriculture started about the 12th century, and

5846-653: Was one of the lucky ones that got on the first C-130 and served at CCK from Oct. 1970-Dec. 1972 working at the Cryogenics Liquid Oxygen Plant. On 20 February 1972 a Lockheed HC-130 set a world record [that still stands] for a great circle distance without landing with a turboprop aircraft of 8,732.09 miles (14,052.94 km), flying from Ching Chuan Kang AB to Scott AFB , Illinois . The 18th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Kadena AB , Okinawa maintained two Squadron of McDonnell F-4C Phantom II aircraft from November 1972 until May 1975. On 6 November 1972,

5925-453: Was peacefully resolved, and the aircraft were returned to the United States. From August 1958 to January 1959, the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing deployed eight F-86Ds to Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan to fly combat air support missions for Republic of China Armed Forces. In February 1960, after US Air Force a survey of bases on Taiwan it was decided that Kung Kuan AB would best suit the needs of USAF tactical units. In 10 – 20 May 1960,

6004-485: Was reactivation. On 1 September 1974, the 6217th Combat Support Group was renamed the 6217th Tactical Group. On 10 April 1975, the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing withdrew from Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung, Taiwan, total of 24 McDonnell F-4C/D Phantom II fighters and 450 pilots and ground crews to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa . In May 1975, the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron

6083-596: Was supported by Detachment 1, 6214th Air Base Group at Kung Kuan AB for its deployment to Taiwan with Republic F-105 Thunderchief . 17 – 27 March 1964, the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was deployed from Kadena Air Base to Kung Kuan AB for reconnaissance missions, equipped with McDonnell RF-101 Voodoo . In April 1965, the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at George AFB California deployed two F-104C squadrons to CCK (434th and 435th TFS). On 17 April 1965, General William H. Blanchard , Vice Chief of Staff, USAF, visited Ching Chuan Kang Air Base. He formally opened

6162-894: Was used by the CIA for covert operations. In 1965, Admiral Ulysses S. Grant Sharp stated that "Without Okinawa, we couldn't continue fighting the Vietnam war." Intense use of the island by the U.S. military caused damage to the environment and residents. There were oil and fuel spills. Exposure to toxic substances caused illness of service members such as a nerve agent leak in 1969. Aircraft crashes, hit-and runs and murders killed residents. The perpetrators were often unpunished, since they could not be prosecuted in Okinawa Courts. The 1970s and 1980s also had severe pollution of waterways and wells with PFAS : toxic chemicals in foam used by fire fighting training at U.S. facilities such as Kadena Air Base . In

6241-433: Was withdrawn from CCK AB, Taiwan, with the final squadron of 18 F-4Cs departing for Kadena Air Base , Okinawa , between 27 and 31 May. From 1 June 1975, Due to the withdrawal of F-4 fighter jets, the 6217th Tactical Group was reorganized to the 6217th Air Base Squadron, and CCK AB had been placed in caretaker status . Taichung International Airport Taichung International Airport ( IATA : RMQ , ICAO : RCMQ )

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