Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, directed a 96-hour operational pause this morning for all CH-53E Super Stallions helicopters stationed in Okinawa, Japan to ensure CH-53E readiness and the safe conduct of our aviation community. We will conduct a thorough investigation working closely with aircrew and maintenance experts to determine the cause of the incident. We will continue to share information with the government of Japan as details become available, while understanding that the investigation must be protected and cannot be released until complete. III MEF is working with Japanese agencies toward the cleanup and removal of the aircraft. We are in the process of conducting an initial survey at the location to determine the most viable platform and method of aircraft recovery, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment. “This is a regrettable incident, and after the investigation is complete, those with property damage as a result of this incident will be appropriately compensated,” said Nicholson. "I want to thank the local Japanese first responders who helped secure the scene quickly and safely, the members of 33rd Rescue Squadron who evacuated our crew members, and those moving the aircraft safely today. I also want to thank everyone for the concern shown for our pilots, the local community members, and their understanding of the risks both Japanese and U.S. military men and women take daily as part of our vital responsibility to provide for the defense of Japan." - Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, directed a 96-hour operational pause this morning for all CH-53E Super Stallions helicopters stationed in Okinawa, Japan to ensure CH-53E readiness and the safe conduct of our aviation community. We will conduct a thorough investigation working closely with aircrew and maintenance experts to determine the cause of the incident. We will continue to share information with the government of Japan as details become available, while understanding that the investigation must be protected and cannot be released until complete. III MEF is working with Japanese agencies toward the cleanup and removal of the aircraft. We are in the process of conducting an initial survey at the location to determine the most viable platform and method of aircraft recovery, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment. “This is a regrettable incident, and after the investigation is complete, those with property damage as a result of this incident will be appropriately compensated,” said Nicholson. "I want to thank the local Japanese first responders who helped secure the scene quickly and safely, the members of 33rd Rescue Squadron who evacuated our crew members, and those moving the aircraft safely today. I also want to thank everyone for the concern shown for our pilots, the local community members, and their understanding of the risks both Japanese and U.S. military men and women take daily as part of our vital responsibility to provide for the defense of Japan."
Two MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepare to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team. - Two MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepare to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.
A CH-53 Super Stallion lands in a field at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., during a formation flight, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara) - A CH-53 Super Stallion lands in a field at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., during a formation flight, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara)
Exercise Kamoshika Wrath allows Marines to test mission performance and meet training requirements by placing them in real-world scenarios. Marines with MWSS-171 trained and practiced their marksmanship in an indoor range. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Callender, a supply administration operation clerk, shoots an M16 rifle during exercise Kamoshika Wrath in Haramura Maneuver Area, Japan, Oct. 2, 2017. The exercise allows Marines to test mission performance and meet training requirements by placing them in real-world scenarios. Marines shot three rounds at their targets to battle sight zero their rifles.
Exercise Kamoshika Wrath helps Marines test mission performance and prepare for real-world situation. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Barber, a tactical switch operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, digs a ditch at Haramura, Japan, Sept. 30, 2017. MWSS-171, stationed out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, kicked off exercise Kamoshika Wrath. The exercise helps Marines test mission performance and prepare for real-world situation. The ditch helped cover wires to provide electricity to tents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Herrera)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 watches other Marines load ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II while conducting a hotload during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 21, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1)-1 cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. - A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 watches other Marines load ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II while conducting a hotload during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 21, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1)-1 cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel study the F-35B Lightning II during an educational tour and class led by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. Several classes were conducted for JASDF personnel regarding maintenance, serviceability, operability and more. Afterwards, they briefly toured VMFA-121’s facility, taking a peek into different departments and visiting the hangar to see, touch and study the aircraft up close. This is the first time VMFA-121 has conducted an exchange like this. - Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel study the F-35B Lightning II during an educational tour and class led by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. Several classes were conducted for JASDF personnel regarding maintenance, serviceability, operability and more. Afterwards, they briefly toured VMFA-121’s facility, taking a peek into different departments and visiting the hangar to see, touch and study the aircraft up close. This is the first time VMFA-121 has conducted an exchange like this.
The “Red Dragons” supported the Australian Defence Force as the aviation combat element for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D), Australia. These are the first Trans-Pacific flights the MV-22 Ospreys have conducted from Hawaii to Australia. This movement demonstrates that the unfueled range of our MV-22s combined with our refueling capabilities allow us to reach across the entire Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Marine Corps can get it's aircraft and personnel to a crisis on the other side of the world in a matter of days. - Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” poses for a photo with his wife, Kelcie, after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Sept. 19, 2017. The “Red Dragons” supported the Australian Defence Force as the aviation combat element for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D), Australia. These are the first Trans-Pacific flights the MV-22 Ospreys have conducted from Hawaii to Australia. This movement demonstrates that the unfueled range of our MV-22s combined with our refueling capabilities allow us to reach across the entire Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Marine Corps can get it's aircraft and personnel to a crisis on the other side of the world in a matter of days. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)
Two MV-22 Ospreys arrive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 11, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. The exercise tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together and provides the opportunity to conduct realistic training in an unfamiliar environment. The aircraft are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez) - Two MV-22 Ospreys arrive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 11, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. The exercise tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together and provides the opportunity to conduct realistic training in an unfamiliar environment. The aircraft are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)
Marines conduct external lift training at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. - Pfc. Tyler J. Nye (left) and Cpl. Tyler D. Reed (right), both landing support specialist, prepare to attach a container to a CH-53E Super Stallion during external lifts training at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. Nye, a Lincoln, Nebraska native, and Reed, a Waukesha, Wisconsin native, are assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistic Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)