U.S. Forces Japan dispatched two Osprey aircraft to search for the missing crew of another that crashed earlier this week in southwestern Japan, prompting local leaders to express concern over their safety.
The tilt-rotor MV-22 Ospreys arrived at Amami Airport in Kagoshima Prefecture in the morning as search operations continued following the crash Wednesday of a U.S. Air Force CV-22 that left a crew member dead and seven others missing.
"Because (the dispatch) involves saving lives, it is unavoidable. However, I cannot help but worry as many local residents are concerned following the accident," said Amami Mayor Sohei Yasuda.