MCCS expands Internet resources on Okinawa Marine camps
CAMP FOSTER (Feb 2, 2006) — Marine Corps Community Services recreation facilities aboard Marine Corps camps on Okinawa will provide free wireless Internet networks starting Feb. 3.
The MCCS-sponsored wireless networks are part of a plan to make Internet service more available to everyone here, according to Jeff Hazelbaker, chief information officer for MCCS Okinawa.
“The Internet is an important communication tool,” Hazelbaker said. “Internet is now a part of life, not just for e-mail but also for work and bank records. The Internet, as a public utility, can be just as useful as a phone.”
In the first phase of its plan, MCCS on Jan. 6 lifted restrictions on computers in camp libraries that prevented users from accessing personal e-mail accounts.
The installation of free wireless networks in most MCCS facilities is the second part of the plan. Sixteen locations are scheduled to have the service by today.
MCCS Network Manager Robert Wayt said MCCS is providing the networks to help service members keep up with useful technological advances.
“The Marines we serve are keeping up with technology,” Wayt said. “We believe a large number of them have the means for wireless Internet access; we’re just providing the service.”
Individuals with laptop computers or other portable electronic devices that have wireless Internet capability will be able to tap into the networks.
The first areas to be equipped with the networks are The Globe and Anchor, and The Spot on Camp Foster, the bowling centers on all camps and The Palms on Camp Hansen. All locations will be marked with posters showing designated areas with wireless signals.
The last 18 MCCS facilities are scheduled to have wireless Internet by March 3, bringing the total number of locations with free wireless signals to 34.
The third and final part of the MCCS plan is to dismantle the Cyber Café on Camps Schwab, Kinser and Hansen as well as Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and distribute the computers to various MCCS facilities with wireless service, according to Hazelbaker. These kiosks will provide free Internet access for service members who do not have wireless Internet capabilities. The remaining cyber café on Camps Foster and Courtney will remain open with reduced usage fees.
Service members will have more opportunities to stay in touch with friends and family, according to Hazelbaker.
“It’s great that Marines will be able to access the Internet at these facilities,” said Lance Cpl. Eric Young, a legal specialist clerk with the Staff Judge Advocate Office for Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “It will help us keep in touch with loved ones and friends back home, and that’s a big morale boost.
“I think it will be a great breakthrough,” Young said. “It will help bring a little taste of home and technology to Okinawa bases and their facilities.
Source: Okinawa Marines