Japanese protest U.S. decision to base hybrid plane in Okinawa
- 12 years ago
In Okinawa, Japan --- anger over a U.S. decision to base twelve controversial Osprey aircraft out of its Marine base there.
Locals say they're concerned about the Osprey's safety record. A hybrid aircraft, it can take off like a helicopter, while flying like a plane.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates flew in an Osprey on his final tour of Afghanistan, and it has been deployed all over the world. Reports of crashes in Morocco and Florida earlier this year have some Japanese concerned that they put neighboring communities at risk.
Six Osprey have already arrived at the Futenama base to begin replacing the Marine's aging 40-year old helicopters.
Locals say they're concerned about the Osprey's safety record. A hybrid aircraft, it can take off like a helicopter, while flying like a plane.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates flew in an Osprey on his final tour of Afghanistan, and it has been deployed all over the world. Reports of crashes in Morocco and Florida earlier this year have some Japanese concerned that they put neighboring communities at risk.
Six Osprey have already arrived at the Futenama base to begin replacing the Marine's aging 40-year old helicopters.