[1] The first prolonged American presence in the Ryukyu Islands commenced with the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in May 1853, on Okinawa.

Perry had hoped to use Okinawa as a springboard to opening up relations with Japan during the Bakumatsu period.

Almost 100 years later, Americans returned to the islands, beginning in April 1945, after the last battle of World War II came to an end.

They were assisted by the Deputy Commander of the Military Government (軍政府副長官, Gunsei-fu Fuku-chōkan).

[2]: 74 Media related to United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands at Wikimedia Commons