Key Issues OCX ACV fielding 'Single-sensing grid'
The commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force announced today that ongoing investigations relating to an AV-8B Harrier crash do not identify the incident's cause as systemic of the aircraft, aircrew or maintenance.
Those findings were from a preliminary report that Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, III MEF commanding general, discussed with reporters during an Oct. 5 press conference at Marine Corps Base Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan.
Since the mishap, the service's Harriers have continued to operate safely around the world, Nicholson said.
On Sept. 22, Nicholson called for an operational pause of all Harrier aircraft in III MEF when an AV-8B crashed off the coast of Okinawa. The pilot safely ejected from the jet and was rescued by the 33rd Rescue Squadron, 18th Wing, U.S. Air Force out of Kadena Air Base, with assistance from the Japanese Coast Guard.
"At this time, all of the Marine Corps' AV-8B Harriers in Japan have been thoroughly inspected and an initial review of the mishap has been completed," according to a service statement. "A thorough review of command culture, aircrew, maintenance, and material readiness have determined that VMA-542 is ready and prepared to resume flight operations."
Lawrence announced all Harriers in III MEF had been found to be safe for flight operations beginning Friday, Oct. 7.