Japan Press Weekly

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2012 February 8 - 14 [US FORCES]

Residents protest against falling of US military aircraft parts

Representatives of the Japanese Communist Party and peace and democratic organizations in Kanagawa Prefecture visited the U.S. Naval Atsugi Base, demanding an investigation into the recent dropping of military aircraft parts, release of the findings, and suspension of all flight activities.

The 21 representatives also protested against the homeporting of U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Yokosuka City in Kanagawa.

On February 8, the U.S. forces’ aircraft EA-6B Prowler dropped parts onto a public road, one of which fell on a car roof.

The protestors also made representations to the defense and foreign ministries on the same day. A defense ministry official told them that the U.S. forces said flight activities of EA-6B Prowler would be suspended till its safety is confirmed.

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The U.S. Navy Command in Japan announced the resumption of aircraft flights on the night of February 10 and restarted flight activities.

Yamato City Mayor Oki Satoru on February 10 commented that considering residents’ feelings, resuming the flights after such a short period is quite regrettable.

Ayase City Mayor Kasama Seijiro on February 11 also denounced the resumption of flights as an extremely regrettable action.

The U.S. Atsugi base stretches from Yamato City to Ayase City in Kanagawa.