Resolution (2013 Third Session)

Adoption Date	Subject	Addressed to:
June 6, 2013 Third Session	Resolution of Protest OVER THE US FORCES F-15 FIGHTER JET CRASH (adopted unanimously)	U.S. Ambassador to Japan Okinawa Area Coordinator OAFO, U.S. Forces Japan U.S. Consul General,Okinawa Commander 18th Wing, U.S. Air Force

Resolution of Protest OVER THE US FORCES F-15 FIGHTER JET CRASH

At approximately 8 : 43 AM on May 28, 2013, an F-15 fighter jet from Kadena Air Base crashed in the waters within the US Forces training area, approximately 126 kilometers east of Okinawa Island.

Set afloat in the proximity of the site of the incident are numerous payao, and the area is an ideal fishing grounds for longline tuna fishing and diamond squid. This recent incident has impacted those in the fisheries industry and the rest of the citizens in the prefecture with great concern and fear, as it could have directly affected fishermen operating in the area and triggered a terrible tragedy.

To date, there have been nine crashes of F-15s in Okinawa, including an incident in April 1994, crashing into the grounds of the Kadena Ammunition Storage Area; an incident in August 2002, in the waters approximately 100 kilometers to the south of Okinawa Island; and another in January 2006, in the waters approximately 54 kilometers to the east of Okinawa Island. Furthermore, with the heightened fear among the citizens of Okinawa over an incident in August 2004, where a CH-53D large transport helicopter crashed and went up in flames, this recent crash is a major incident which we cannot help but question the adequacy of aircraft maintenance and inspection conducted by the US Forces.

In regards to the series of aircraft accidents involving the F-15s and other aircraft, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly and other relevant organs have placed requests to relevant sources for the prevention of incidents and thorough aircraft safety measures. Furthermore, in regard to the recent incident, the Prefectural Government and municipal governments have petitioned for preventive measures and to halt the flights of F-15s until the investigation into the cause of the crash is complete. Despite this, it is truly regrettable that the US Forces unilaterally decided to resume exercises involving the F-15s.

To that end, we, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, in our duty to protect the lives and properties of the people of Okinawa, strongly protest the recent aircraft accident and call for the prompt execution of the four items stated below.

1. Conduct a thorough investigation of the cause of the accident and promptly release the findings to the citizens of the prefecture.
2. Until the investigation into the cause of the incident is complete, and safety and preventive measures are put into effect, cease all flights of F-15s within Okinawa Prefecture.
3. Conduct a thorough review of aircraft maintenance and inspection frameworks and work for the safety management and preventive measures against aircraft incidents.
4. Conduct assessments of impacts to the fisheries industry in the proximity of the recent crash site and compensate for adverse effects.

The above is resolved as stated on this 6st day of June, 2013.

Okinawa Prefectural Assembly