CAMP MCTUREOUS, OKINAWA, Japan -- U.S. Marine Corps Installations Pacific leaders and Marine Corps Community Services members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Camp McTureous Community Center on April 23.

The socially distant ceremony included refreshments, speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its addition to the installation. The Camp McTureous Community Center is available for Status of Forces Agreement members and their families to rent for a wide range of activities and events.

“Today we hosted the official ribbon cutting ceremony to signify the opening of the Community Center,” said Steve Moran, the community services coordinator with MCCS Okinawa. “It is an extremely important event, and now the space is officially open to SOFA personnel to call and request for rental.”

Located at the Camp McTureous Chapel, the Community Center offers a multifunctional room for events such as birthday parties, recitals and professional military education seminars.

Before the official opening, remarks were given by both Moran and Col. Matthew R. Nation, the commanding officer of Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

“The space here that is now open to SOFA personnel and their families is something we are all excited to have,” said Nation. “Not only does it enhance troop welfare, it gives everyone a place to come together as a family.”

Following the opening remarks, together, Moran, Nation and Brig. Gen. William J. Bowers, the commanding general of MCIPAC, cut the ribbon to signify the grand opening of the Community Center. The audience consisted of MCIPAC leaders and MCCS members.

Nation explained that the Community Center will be a place that enhances the creativity of anyone who wishes to utilize it. He said that they plan to keep making additions to it in the coming months to offer an even wider variety of activities to be hosted in it.

Moran, a native of Centerville, Ohio, explained that to rent the space, call 625-2740 or 622-7381 to speak with a member of MCCS. Upon the initial request, customers will be sent a screening form inquiring information of how they will utilize the Community Center. Following the screening, staff members will determine if access to the center is permissible.

“The establishment of the Community Center marks a big milestone for us as a community,” said Moran. “It’s a space to give back to our troops and all that they do for us.”

For more information on upcoming events, visit website.

Photo Caption: Scissors used to cut the grand opening ribbon are displayed at the grand opening of the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Community Center on Camp McTureous, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2021. MCCS hosted the grand opening of the Camp McTureous Community Center which included a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its addition to the installation. The center is available for Status of Forces Agreement members and their families to rent for a wide range of activities and events.