U.S. Forces Japan, GOJ Enhance Accident Guidelines

Yokota Air Base, Japan — The United States and Government of Japan came to an agreement today to enhance current guidelines when responding to U.S. military aircraft accidents in Japan.

Both governments have agreed to revisions, which improve interoperability in the event of off-base U.S. military aviation accidents and offer a more expedient response to associated first responders.

Changes to the guidelines include: clarification on expeditious early entry and prioritization for on-scene U.S. and GOJ representatives; streamlining information sharing on aircraft accidents; and coordinating wreckage removal with an affected landowner and with the Ministry of Defense’s Regional Defense Bureau.

“We welcome Japan’s efforts to improve this process with U.S. Forces,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander, U.S. Forces, Japan. “These revised guidelines will enable the Alliance partners to respond more quickly, improve our interoperability and strengthen our overall capabilities.”




~USFJ~