While our forward deployed forces in Japan are essential to maintaining regional peace and security, we are working to consolidate our forces to reduce the impact of our presence on local communities. On Okinawa, the Special Action Committee on Okinawa, or SACO has been working to consolidate, realign and reduce U.S. facilities there, while maintaining the capabilities and readiness of American forces. We have already implemented 13 of the 28 SACO recommendations. The SACO final report provides a concrete plan for returning 20 percent of the total land area of U.S. facilities or operations in Okinawa. Although the relocation of our Marine Air Station at Futenma is proving tougher than expected, we are committed to realizing these goals.
Japan is a good host.
In fact, it provides far and away the most generous host nation support for our forces of any U.S. ally and we are working hard in turn to be good guests and partners. On the political front, the U.S.-Japan partnership has never been stronger. As I noted a moment ago, Secretary Albright was just here. Secretary of Defense Cohen visited in January. President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto enjoy a warm personal relationship and are in frequent contact in person and by telephone.