KADENA F-15s to resume flying following inspections

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa, JAPAN - Following a stand-down period and inspection of all F-15 aircraft at Kadena Air Base, flying training is scheduled to resume tomorrow.

18th Wing leadership paused fighter training Monday following an F-15 crash in an over-water training area south of Okinawa.

Senior, experienced pilots and maintainers have reviewed the initial facts and circumstances of the mishap and are confident that the incident does not indicate a problem with the overall safety of Kadena’s F-15 fleet.

Col. Richard Tanner, 18th Wing vice commander, reaffirmed that the 18th Wing continues to make every effort to ensure the safety of aircraft operations at Kadena.

"In the last 24 hours, we've inspected all of our F-15s, and we are confident they are safe to resume training," said Tanner. “At the same time, we have reinforced the importance of safety and adherence to flight regulations with all of our pilots.”

"Our mission is to defend Japan and maintain regional security," added Tanner. "The safety of our pilots, our base population and our surrounding communities remains our top priority as we meet our Alliance obligations."

Please refer questions regarding this incident to the 18th Wing Public Affairs office at 18wg.pamedia@us.af.mil. 

 

嘉手納基地のF-15機が点検を終え飛行を再開