Large aircraft flying low near Tokashiki Island – January 6, around 2:00 p.m.
February 4, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
After U.S. military aircraft were spotted flying at low altitude near the Kerama islands, Okinawa gubernatorial chief of staff Masaru Kinjo lodged a protest to 353d Special Operations Group Commander Colonel Michael A. Thomas on February 3. According to Okinawa, the military stressed the legality of the flights, claiming “we confirmed that we were adhering to the standards related to flight agreed between the United States and Japan, and that we were well within the limits for flight over Japanese airspace.” Kinjo indicated however,” [The aircraft] were clearly below the altitude specific in Japanese law,” asking that they reinvestigate.
Posted on December 15, 2020.
Incidents and accidents involving the U.S. Armed Forces are occurring frequently. Deep down, Okinawan citizens want their “neighbors,” who ignore the law and commit crime after crime, to leave Okinawa. Both the U.S. and Japanese governments should directly address the concerns and resentment of these citizens and take drastic measures to prevent further incidents and accidents.
According to prefecture estimates, between Oct. 25 and Nov. 8, there were 13 incidents that resulted in the arrest of U.S. soldiers, of which eight were either suspected or confirmed violations of the “Liberty Regulations,” instituted by the Americans to restrict late night outings and alcohol consumption.