Pacific

Transcript reveals confusion over South Korean ferry evacuation

The South Korean ferry that sank was crippled by confusion and indecision well after it began listing, a radio transcript released Sunday showed, suggesting the chaotic situation may have added to a death toll that could eventually exceed 300.
Japan minister at shrine honoring war criminals

A Japanese Cabinet minister on Sunday visited a Tokyo shrine that honors the dead including war criminals, in what has repeatedly caused friction with Japan's neighbors.
Delay in ferry evacuation puzzles maritime experts

It is a decision that has maritime experts stumped and is at odds with standard procedure: Why were the passengers of the doomed South Korean ferry told to stay in their rooms rather than climb on deck?

Japan

Korea

China

Hawaii

Hope fades as US, S. Korea continue search for ferry disaster survivors

The U.S. military continues to assist South Korea search for survivors of Wednesday’s ferry sinking in the Yellow Sea, even as the prospect of finding anyone still alive seems increasingly unlikely.
US, South Korea wrap up Foal Eagle exercise

The U.S. and South Korea quietly wrapped up their annual spring training drills on Friday, as the end of the massive Foal Eagle exercise was overshadowed by efforts to rescue passengers of a sunken ferry of the southwestern tip of the peninsula.
New Navy report could clear way for Marines' move from Okinawa to Guam

The Navy has recommended placing firing ranges on Andersen Air Force Base instead of Guam’s ancient ancestral lands in its latest environmental impact report — largely seen as one of the final hurdles to moving 4,700 Marines and their families off Okinawa as part of the Pacific realignment.
Yokosuka sailor charged in Navy bribery scandal April 17, 2014
2 US Navy helicopters join search for South Korea ferry survivors April 17, 2014
Navy chopper rescues lost mother, daughter lost in Guam jungle April 17, 2014
Despite doubts, Japan prepares end to ban on defending allies April 16, 2014

Track roundup

Yokota's Galvin breaks Pacific record in 800

Beppu, Japan: Being buried by hot-spring-infused beach sand makes for a subterranean sauna

Top Marine in Japan: If tasked, we could retake the Senkakus from China

Myanmar says 22 dead in Kachin fighting this month

Fighting between government troops and ethnic rebels in Myanmar's northeastern state of Kachin has left at least 22 people dead this month, state-run media reported Sunday.
Divers pull bodies from sunken ferry; toll tops 50 April 19, 2014
Veterans bike through Vietnam to help heal wounds of war April 19, 2014
Japan to break ground on new base near disputed Senkaku isles April 18, 2014
New Navy report could clear way for Marines' move from Okinawa to Guam April 18, 2014

USS Bonhomme Richard heading to capsized South Korea ferry

A U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship headed to the site where a South Korean ferry sank Wednesday to help if needed, the U.S. Navy said.
S. Korea assembly approves cost-sharing agreement with US

After months of delays, the South Korean National Assembly on Wednesday easily approved a defense cost-sharing agreement that offsets the costs of stationing 28,500 U.S. troops on the peninsula.
Futenma relocation foes claim ecological damage certain on Okinawa

Opponents of construction on a new runway as part of a plan to relocate the Marines’ Futenma air base told a Japanese court Wednesday the project would irrevocably damage the Okinawa coastal environment.
South Korean assembly expected to vote on funding to support US troops

South Korean lawmakers this week are expected to vote on a controversial defense cost-sharing agreement that has sat untouched for months in the National Assembly, even as the resulting funding shortage has forced the U.S. military to take drastic steps to avert mass furloughs of its Korean employees.
Misawa is 1st base to unlock geographic restrictions on US streaming sites

Misawa base residents no longer are shut out when they try to access their favorite U.S. streaming media websites, and their solution could help other overseas servicemembers and DOD civilians who have lost access to online TV, movie and game providers.
New Navy hospital opening on Guam April 14, 2014
Top Marine in Japan: If tasked, we could retake the Senkakus from China April 11, 2014
North Korea likely used drones for spying, South says April 11, 2014
Thousands of USFK workers may strike over wages, conditions April 10, 2014
Alaska soldier charged with premeditated murder in boy's on-base death April 10, 2014
Strict local gun laws limit servicemembers’ ownership on overseas bases April 9, 2014
Three years later, many survivors of tsunami, Fukushima disaster still living in temporary housing April 8, 2014