Marines to resume Harrier operations in Okinawa

The commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Japan will lift an operational pause on his command's AV-8B Harrier fleet tomorrow, the Marine Corps announced today.

Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson will announce the resumption of Harrier flight operations on and around Okinawa during an Oct. 5 press conference at Marine Corps Base Butler, Okinawa, Japan, according to the Oct. 4 statement.

The operational pause has been in effect since Sept. 22, when an AV-8B crashed off the coast of Okinawa. The pilot safely ejected from the jet and was rescued by of the 33rd Rescue Squadron, 18th Wing, U.S. Air Force out of Kadena Air Base, with assistance from the Japan Coast Guard.

According to a III MEF statement issued when the operational pause was ordered, “it is common practice for units to execute operational pauses following a significant mishap. During this period, every AV-8B will be inspected to ensure they meet operational readiness standards.”