''Osprey'' Deployed First Time In Japan-U.S. Military Drill In Kyushu

KUMAMOTO, JAPAN - DEC. 7: The ongoing joint exercise between the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps, called Forest Light 15-1, is using an MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in a drill to swiftly carry soldiers from one point to another, authorities said on Sunday, December 7th. This is the first time the newest American combat aircraft, which some experts still doubt about its safety and some nearby residents express fear, was deployed in Kyushu, Japan's southwestern main island. Some observers see the recent frequent appearances of Osprey in Japan is also part of deliberate efforts by the both overnments to make the use of the aircraft as routine events in a bid to ease these local tensions. The Forest Light is a semi-annual drill between the two allies consisting of command post exercises and a variety of field training programs. The current event is slated until December 12 and taking place in Oyanohara Training Area in Kumamoto Prefecture.