US helicopter window fall Okinawa Prefecture asks for suspension of operation and investigation of cause August 30 19:30

On 27th of this month, in response to the large helicopter window of the US Army Futenma base falling to the sea east of the main island of Okinawa, Deputy Governor Johana of Okinawa Prefecture We urged the US military to stop operations for one week and investigate the cause.

On the 27th of this month, an approximately 1 kilometer window fell from the CH53 helicopter deployed at the US Army Futenma Base, about 8 kilometers east of the main island of Okinawa.

On this evening, Deputy Governor Xie Hana of Okinawa Prefecture called the Director General of Tanaka of the Okinawa Defense Bureau and Ambassador Kawamura of the Okinawa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the prefectural office, “It is very regrettable. Two days after the report to the prefecture occurred. I cannot forbid strong resentment. "

After that, we stopped the operation of the aircraft for a week and asked the US military to investigate the cause and ensure thorough safety management and to verify and improve the fact that the Defense Bureau did not promptly contact the prefecture.

In response, Ambassador Kawamura said, “I am sorry, I have asked the US side to take measures to prevent a recurrence.

Mr. Tanaka explained, “There are many unclear points in the information from the US side, we made inquiries, got answers yesterday and contacted the prefecture.”

Director Tanaka also revealed that there was information that the flight of the Futenma military aircraft would be stopped until 7 am on the 4th of next month. The prefecture will protest directly against the US military in the future.

Secretary-General “Safety is a major premise”

The secretary of the secretary said at a press conference after the cabinet meeting, “The government has instituted the US side for thorough inspection and maintenance of the aircraft and effective measures to prevent recurrence. “When we operate the US military, safety is a major premise, and we will continue to ask the US side to ensure safety.”

Defense Minister "Risk takes time to report the US"

Defense Minister Iwaya told reporters after the cabinet meeting that after the communication from the US side to the Ministry of Defense was the next night, “It was really regrettable that it took time to report.” It was.

In addition, Iwaya said, “We took effective measures to prevent recurrence such as inspection and maintenance of the aircraft and thorough safety management, as well as prompt notification in the event of an accident.”

On the other hand, Minister Iwaya asked the reporters, "Why don't you ask the United States for self-restraint of flight?" It was.