Body of U.S. Marine Corps pilot found after crash off Japan
A U.S Marine Corps pilot who died after his jet fighter crashed off Japan was identified Dec. 9 as Capt. James E. Frederick of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Frederick, 32, ejected from his F/A-18 during training the evening if Dec. 7 about 120 miles (190 kilometers) southeast of a Marine Corps airfield in Iwakuni in western Japan. The Marines earlier gave his first name as Jake.
A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship found his body the following day during an extensive search at sea. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
“We have lost a fine American patriot who volunteered to serve for freedom,” said Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. “I want to sincerely thank the Japanese government for the tremendous efforts they made during search operations following the mishap.”
Frederick was on a rotational deployment to Japan. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. AP
Retired Indian air force chief held for Italian chopper deal
A retired Indian air force chief and two others were arrested Dec. 8 for allegedly influencing a $750 million deal with AgustaWestland for the purchase of 12 luxury helicopters to ferry Indian VIPs, a federal investigator said.
Central Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Kanchan Prasad said the agency has enough evidence to prosecute retired Air Marshal S.P. Tyagi, his cousin Sanjiv Tyagi and attorney Gautam Khaitan.
Tyagi is the first Indian military chief to be arrested under corruption prevention laws. He was questioned by the CBI several times in the past.
India signed an agreement to purchase the AW101 helicopters with Italian-owned Finmeccanica’s helicopter arm AgustaWestland in February 2010, but canceled it in January 2014 amid allegations that the company paid kickbacks to Indian officials and politicians.
India received three of the helicopters and stopped delivery of the remaining nine.
India’s Defense Ministry said the agreement was terminated because an integrity pact was breached by AgustaWestland. AP