Replacement for Missing GSDF Division Chief Named Following Helicopter Accident
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/10491296.jpg)
Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Yasunori Morishita speaks at a press conference on April 6.
17:24 JST, April 21, 2023
Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Yasunori Morishita has announced the names of two officers who will take over posts following an accident involving a GSDF helicopter that was carrying several senior personnel in Okinawa Prefecture earlier this month.
Maj. Gen. Shinichi Aoki, head of the 11th Brigade, has been assigned to oversee the GSDF’s 8th Division, in place of Lt. Gen. Yuichi Sakamoto, who was aboard the helicopter that disappeared from radar near Miyako Island on April 6.
Morishita also announced that Col. Masahito Iyota, commanding officer of the 15th Brigade based on Miyako, was aboard the aircraft on the day of the accident. Col. Hayato Higa, who headed the 5th Engineer Group, has been appointed the brigade’s new commanding officer.
Morishita said the replacements were “based on a comprehensive assessment of the situation, taking into account ongoing duties in the southwestern region and the search operation, amid an increasingly severe security environment.”
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Typhoon Shanshan Forms, Slowly Moves Toward Japan; Govt Says Typhoon No. 10 Likely to Approach Japan Next Week
-
Typhoon Ampil Approaching Japan
-
Shizuoka Pref. City Offers Foreigners Free Japanese Language Classes; Aims to Raise Non-Natives to Daily Conversation Level
-
Typhoon No. 10 Forecast to Develop; Move into Pacific Ocean South of Japan on Aug. 26
-
Tokyo Companies Prepare for Ashfall From Mt. Fuji Eruption; Disposal Of Ash, Possibly at Sea, A Major Challenge
JN ACCESS RANKING