U.S. military planes landing at civil airport amidst protest

The U.S. Marine Corps completely disregarded Okinawans' concern for air traffic safety when they landed six transport helicopters and a tanker plane at a civil airport for refueling on the morning April 26 on their way to the Philippines where they were to take part in "Balikatan 2003", an annual joint U.S.-Philippine exercise.

These aircraft are based at U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City.

At Miyako Airport in Hirara City, about 100 local residents, including Hirara City Mayor Ishimine Akira, staged a protest against the landing, and shouted slogans in opposition to military use of the civil airport. (end)