Camp Courtney
Camp Courtney PCS Guide
Base History & Name
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Warren Diffey, operations chief, G-1, 3rd Marine Division left, poses for a photo with his family during Camp Courtney Festival on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 27, 2024. Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa hosted this open-gate event to bring local...
Camp Courtney is a key installation within Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler in Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan. The base supports the United States' strategic presence in the Western Pacific and honors Major Henry A. Courtney, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Okinawa.
Construction began in 1955 as part of a larger effort to expand U.S. military infrastructure on Okinawa. The base soon became home to the 3rd Marine Division headquarters, which relocated there in 1956.
Over the decades, Camp Courtney has received several upgrades, including new barracks, command centers, and family housing. These improvements support both rotational and permanent personnel stationed at the base.
Throughout the Cold War, Camp Courtney served as a forward-deployed command post for major Marine units. The base hosted the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and later the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), enabling rapid response to regional crises and joint exercises.
Its strategic location allowed Marines to participate in humanitarian missions and collaborate with Japanese and allied forces. This positioning enhanced the U.S. military's ability to respond quickly across the Indo-Pacific region.
Today, Camp Courtney remains a central hub for U.S. Marine Corps operations in the Indo-Pacific. The base provides command and control, training, and community services for Marines and their families.
Camp Courtney also plays an important role in the local Okinawan community. Outreach and partnership initiatives help foster strong U.S.-Japan relations and support mutual understanding.
No significant official name changes have occurred since its establishment; the base has always been known as Camp Courtney.
Namesake
Major Courtney was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. His leadership and sacrifice are memorialized in the naming of Camp Courtney, reflecting his enduring legacy within the Marine Corps.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Roman Rivera a logistics specialist with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, low-crawls under his squad during Martial Arts Instructors Course 64-25 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 2, 2025. MAIC educates and develops instructors focused on...
Major Units
3rd Marine Division Headquarters
Serves as the command element for the 3rd Marine Division, responsible for planning and executing amphibious and expeditionary operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
4th Marine Regiment
Provides ground combat power and is tasked with conducting amphibious assault operations and rapid crisis response throughout the Pacific theater.
Arrival & In-Processing
A local food vendor prepares food during Camp Courtney Festival on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 27, 2024. Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa hosted this open-gate event to bring local residents and Status of Forces Agreement members together. The festival featured live entertainment,...
Welcome to Camp Courtney! Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth check-in and transition for you and your family. Review all requirements before your arrival to avoid delays. For the latest updates and resources, visit the official Camp Courtney website.
Camp Courtney's main gate is the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. The main gate operates 24/7, providing round-the-clock access. Be ready to show a valid Military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) at all times. Family members and visitors must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport. The gate staff conducts 100% ID checks and may perform random vehicle inspections to ensure base security. If you need a visitor or family member pass, report to the Visitor Control Center just outside the main gate before entry. Sponsors must accompany guests during pass issuance.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Travel Receipts
Camp Courtney offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or the base Relocation Assistance Office as soon as you receive orders. Your sponsor will provide essential guidance and meet you upon arrival.
In-processing at Camp Courtney is handled at the Welcome Center, located near the main gate for easy access. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1630. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical and Dental registration, and Unit Check-in. Plan for the process to take 2-3 days, depending on your needs and documentation.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Camp Courtney main gate. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 0700 to 1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and assisting with guest sponsorship procedures. Arrive early to avoid delays, especially during peak PCS seasons.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Ronald Jackson and Marsha Whitmire, quality assurance inspectors with the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, inspect a moldy pallet at the business location of a local moving company. The company had received the pallet in less-than-desirable condition and immediately notified the Personal Property and Passenger Movement Section.
When you receive PCS orders to Camp Courtney, start by reading your orders closely and contacting your local Transportation Office right away. Early action helps you secure moving dates and understand your entitlements. You can choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where movers pack and ship your belongings, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), where you handle the move yourself for possible reimbursement. Each option has pros and cons—compare them based on your needs. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule, track, and manage your move. This online portal is your main tool for move paperwork and updates. Save your login info and check it often for status changes. Service members moving to Camp Courtney are eligible for Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement for up to 10 days while searching for housing. You may also qualify for a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation costs. Use official resources to check current rates and rules before you move. Keeping organized and informed will help your PCS go smoothly.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early for local support and advice.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Use DPS to monitor your move and communicate with movers.
- Take photos of your belongings before pack-out for insurance.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess charges.
- Label boxes clearly with your name and new address.
- Contact the Camp Courtney Housing Office as soon as possible to discuss options.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule and track your household goods move.
Check current TLE, DLA, and per diem rates.
Guidance and support for your PCS move.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.