03-07-2025
US forces in Okinawa apologize for Marine's conviction in attempted sex assault
The chief of staff of the US Marine Corps in Okinawa has apologized to Okinawa Prefecture for the recent conviction of a Marine for attempted sexual assault.
Colonel Neil Owens, chief of staff for the Third Marine Division, visited the prefectural government office in Naha City on Thursday to offer an apology.
The 22-year-old US Marine lance corporal was sentenced to seven years in prison in June for attempting to sexually assault a woman, resulting in injury. The assault occurred on Okinawa's main island in May last year.
Owens told senior prefectural officials that he wants to apologize to the victim and people in Okinawa who were made anxious by the Marine's conviction.
The head of the Okinawa governor's office, Tamari Masahito, told Owens that there have been eight sex-related cases involving US troops in Okinawa since December 2023.
Tamari noted that while the US forces say only some members are causing trouble, there seems to be no end to sexual assault cases involving US military personnel. He said he cannot help but question the internal controls of the US forces.
Owens responded that the division takes very seriously all the incidents and accidents caused by Marines, and has set high standards of conduct for its members. He said many Marines adhere to these standards outside bases, and those who don't are held accountable. He indicated his intention to work with the relevant entities to prevent a recurrence.
