MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Due to two recent events, the Tenjin District of Fukuoka has been declared off-limits between the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for service members aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
This order, (MCAS Order 5800.17) states that violators of this new liberty policy will be subject to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
"In the past month alone, we have had two cases of violence against service members here," said Sgt. Maj. David Allison, Station sergeant major. "In order to protect our Marines and Sailors, we needed to make the area off-limits between those hours when violence is most likely to occur."
The most recent case left three service members hospitalized after seven were assaulted by a large group of Japanese. One of the service members required medical evacuation due to the severity of his injuries.
According to the sergeant major, service members need to do a better job of taking care of one another and practicing situational awareness.
"In both incidents a small group of Marines were attacked by Japanese gangs in large numbers in the same district. Our Marines and Sailors have to watch their back and that doesn't mean only in Fukuoka, but also in Hiroshima, Osaka and Tokyo as well," said Allison. "Alcohol is your worst enemy.
The judgment goes right out the window once you get all liquored up, so maybe you shouldn't drink so much next time and you will know what is going on."
The sergeant major also preached a term most Marines and Sailors hear before the start of every weekend.
"Accountability is everyone's responsibility," said Allison. "It is as easy as letting your immediate chain of command know where you are going."
Currently, the Navy Criminal Investigate Service is conducting an investigation in coordination with the Fukuoka police.