Saturday, December 10, 2016

U.S. to continue Osprey supply drills in Okinawa despite danger protests


The U.S. Marine Corps plans to continue supply transportation drills involving Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft around Camp Hansen in the village of Ginoza, Okinawa Prefecture, despite protests from local communities.
“It is necessary to continue conducting this type of training to maintain proficiency,” the Marine Corps said in an emailed response Friday to inquiries.

On Wednesday, the Okinawa Prefectural Government issued a protest to the U.S. military through the Defense Ministry about drills involving the Osprey in which supplies were hanging from a rope below as the aircraft, which lands and takes off like a helicopter but cruises like a plane, flew over private houses in the village on Tuesday.
The flight routes were “selected based on wind conditions, safety considerations and considerations to minimize overflight of populated areas and residential zones,” the Marine Corps said.

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