Japan military exercise relocated to Guam

by Nick Delgado

Guam - As a result of public outcry, a military exercise that was supposed to be conducted in Japan will now be held on Guam. According to Japanese media, the exercise involves U.S. Osprey transport aircraft. Instead of being held in Okinawa they will be held here, starting this Thursday.

Okinawans have expressed concerns about the aircraft's safety.  Guam Buildup Office director Mark Calvo told KUAM News, "There are several folks that are concerned as the aircraft may not have gotten a good media as far as safety record but the current version of Osprey as we understand has been performing superbly both in combat and in training in fact it exceeds all department of defense rotary wing aircraft safety records and we're confident the Department of Defense and marine corps leadership would not risk any safety issues with any equipment that they operate."  

The exercise, Forager Fury 2012, will be held at Andersen Air Forxe Base as well as Tinian's West Field, and Farallon De Medinilla target range.