I heard about this too. But my guess is much simpler. When I visited Okinawa I was struck by the marines' attitude. I sensed they thought the islands were "theirs" and can have their way, as Russians did in Eastern Europe. I ran into a few of them in Tokyo recently at night, and they were walking together, visibly concerned about their safety. They knew they are not always welcome and can't have their way in the mainland.

About the nuclear stockpile, I am not sure. It would be dangerous for Americans to maintain a depot in a foreign country.

I will become a patissier, God willing.