The recent earthquake and tsunami (tidal wave) in Japan did considerable damage to the Japanese Matsushima Air Base at Miyagi (on the northeast coast of the main island of Honshu.) While the quake itself (the most powerful ever recorded in that area) did some damage, it was the seawater that hurt the most. The air base was hit by the 7.3 meter (23 foot) tidal wave. Among the aircraft hit with the wall of seawater were 18 F-2 fighters. Most of the other vehicles, and electronic support equipment on the base were also inundated. Most of this gear will be too expensive to repair, and thus a total loss. This may include several of the F-2s. About 20 percent of Japan's 98 F-2s were stationed at Matsushima Air Base. Worse, the 21st Fighter Training Squadron at Matsushima was the site of most F-2 pilot training. This is going to be interrupted for months, if not longer.
Thanks to the USAF, the base is still open for business.
Video of the damage. |