Tri-Service
Harrier Jump Jet Crashes Into Ocean
A US Harrier Jump Jet has crashed into the ocean off the coast of the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.
The Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet came down after leaving a US air base on the island, according to reports.
The pilot ejected and was rescued by a team from the US Air Force.
A pilot ejected safely from a Harrier off the coast of Okinawa, today. The pilot was rescued by @usairforce. Follow @IIIMEF for updates. pic.twitter.com/YjSSiiyYwI
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) September 22, 2016
It’s believed the flight was a routine training mission and the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft.
The Marine Expeditionary Force said the cause of the accident was still under investigation.
The Japanese Coast Guard received a request to help in the rescue but it was withdrawn after a US Air Force helicopter recovered the pilot.
People in Okinawa have complained about crashes, noise from aircraft and crime by service members for years, and some say they are unfairly burdened with housing U.S. troops.
There have also been protests over a plan to relocate an air base to a less densely populated part of Okinawa.
The island hosts more than half the 50,000 US troops based in Japan.
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