Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Opens New Campus at Camp Zama

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide U.S. Military Europe PACOM Campuses marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its newest Pacific location at Camp Zama, Japan on March 16, 2026. The commemorative event celebrated Embry-Riddle’s continued expansion across the Indo-Pacific region and its enhanced commitment to serving U.S. servicemembers and their families overseas.

Since joining the Voluntary Education Program on OCONUS installations across the Pacific in 2015, Embry-Riddle has experienced sustained growth in both student enrollment and program demand. The addition of Camp Zama further strengthens the university’s footprint in the theater, reflecting a decade of partnership and responsiveness to the evolving educational needs of the joint forces.

The decision to establish a formal campus presence at Camp Zama followed extensive collaboration with Camp Zama Education Center leadership to assess academic needs that support the installation’s mission. Embry-Riddle’s specialized programs in aeronautics, aviation maintenance, aviation business administration, engineering, safety, human factors, uncrewed systems and space operations align directly with the professional development goals of servicemembers assigned to U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Japan headquarters. The campus is positioned to provide flexible, industry-relevant degree pathways that enhance readiness and long-term career success.

Local leadership emphasized the value of expanding academic opportunities within the community, noting that access to high-quality aviation and uncrewed systems education strengthens both individual servicemember advancement and overall mission effectiveness. Terrence Bohanna, Camp Zama associate campus director, U.S. Navy veteran and three-time Embry-Riddle alumnus, has worked extensively with the Camp Zama community and will work closely with the installation Education Center and partner college under the US-INDOPACOM Education Services Agreement, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), to ensure a seamless and supportive student experience.

During the grand opening, USAG Camp Zama Commander Col. Erik Davis, reflected on the importance of this educational milestone for his community, stating: “with over a decade here in the Pacific…there is clearly a demand for these kinds of services and education, so if you are interested in aviation, engineering or technology, this is the place to come.”

The opening of the Camp Zama campus also holds special significance within a broader context of Embry-Riddle’s dedication to education within the Pacific. “In August 2025, Embry-Riddle proudly marked 10 years of steadfast support to military voluntary education throughout the Pacific command. The opening of this campus stands as a defining highlight of a decade of commitment. It represents our continued investment in expanding access to world-class aviation and aerospace education for all servicemembers stationed at, and dedicated to supporting the mission of, USAG Camp Zama,” said Hayley Yamanaka, executive director.

This year also marks Embry-Riddle’s centennial anniversary, and a century of leadership in aviation and aerospace education. “The alignment of ERAU’s centennial with PACOM’s decade-long commitment to voluntary education reflects a shared legacy of innovation and partnership,” said Jim Pepin, vice chancellor of Student Success. “As ERAU enters its second century, expanding aviation and aerospace education through campuses like Camp Zama affirms our enduring mission: delivering globally relevant, mission-focused instruction wherever America’s servicemembers serve.”

“We are very proud to expand Embry-Riddle’s attendance to Camp Zama,” said Dr. John Watret, chancellor for Embry-Riddle Worldwide. “We are pleased to deliver innovative, industry-aligned programs to servicemembers in Japan in line with our century-long legacy of distinction in aviation and aerospace education. Our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring an exceptional student experience while building lasting partnerships with the Education Centers across mainland Japan.”