KADENA F-15s to resume flying following inspections

Published May 29, 2013
By 18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Following a stand-down period and inspection of all F-15 aircraft at Kadena Air Base, flying training is scheduled to resume today.

Fighter training was suspended Tuesday afternoon following an F-15 incident 70 miles east of the base in an over-water training area.

Col. Brian McDaniel, 18th Wing vice commander, reaffirmed that every effort continues to be made to ensure aircraft operations at Kadena are safe.

"In the last 24 hours, we've inspected all of our F-15s and we are confident they are safe to resume training," said McDaniel. "The safety of our local community and of our pilots is of utmost importance."

An interim safety investigation board began gathering information yesterday.

"Our mission is the defense of Japan," said McDaniel. "The safety of our base population and our surrounding communities remains our top priority while we meet our bilateral obligations."