Japanese F-15s based on Okinawa returned to the skies Wednesday for the first time since a fleet-wide grounding due to a fatal crash earlier this month during a training sortie from Naha Air Base. The Japanese defense ministry initially suspended all Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 operations after the July 5 mishap, pending structural evaluation of the country’s 202 license-built Mitsubishi F-15s. Sorties from mainland bases resumed last week, followed by Okinawa flight operations after the JASDF undertook “elaborate security precautions to ensure safety in both the aircraft and mental and physical aspect of the pilots,” said Naha spokesman Maj. Minoru Takara, reported Stars and Stripes.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.