MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A recent adjustment to the master plans involving the Iwakuni Runway Relocation Program has given approximately 150 acres back to the Station.
The Iwakuni Runway Project (IRRP) is a Government of Japan initiative to relocate the Station runway 1,000 meters eastward onto land reclaimed from the Seto Inland Sea. The project has been ongoing since 1997 and is currently estimated to cost about $2.4 billion.
The new plans involve several changes for some of the facilities original destinations.
"Originally, we planned on having (Marine Aircraft Group 12) located on the North Side and ordnance was going to be on the South Side of the Station," said Cmdr. David Sasek, Facilities officer. "Now, MAG-12 will be located on the South Side and ordnance on the North Side of the Station."
The change came after a request from the Japanese government to take another look into the plans for the IRRP.
"After approximately six to eight months, engineers were able to come up with a new design for ordnance and MAG-12," said Sasek. "By reworking the master plan, we will be able to save 150 acres on the Station. These 150 acres are just land that has been recovered and can be used for construction."
In addition to the added land change to the runway relocation master plans, Sasek said other advantages will be available.
"The ordnance compound before was going to be far away from the port, allowing a possibility for danger," said Sasek. "The new ordnance compound will be located in front of the new Explosives Ordnance Disposal port, minimizing the time ordnance is on the road. It will also provide more hangers for MAG-12."
A new air traffic control tower will be built sooner, allowing for a smoother transition when the runway is complete, added Sasek. Taller construction of the tower will also be available, providing a better view of planes. The runway design is changing as well.
"The smoke stacks near the original location would have been a problem for the pilots," said Sasek. "They would have to make a hard right turn as soon as they lift off, which would put the jet engines blast noise over Iwakuni City."
"The new plans are a win-win situation for everyone," said Sasek. "The changes made to the plans will not be costing the Japanese any additional money. Meanwhile, we are properly taking full advantage of the land that the Japanese government has provided us."