MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Airman 1st Class Harley W. Miller of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron pleaded guilty in a Feb. 25 court-martial here to a charge of reckless driving in connection with the death of a Japanese civilian last year, base officials announced in a news release Monday.

Miller was sentenced to 21 days confinement and a reduction in rank to E-2.

On May 9, Miller was speeding on what’s locally known as “30-meter road” toward the Cheese Roll restaurant when he collided with a car driven by a 66-year-old Japanese woman who improperly turned in front of Miller, base officials said.

Law-enforcement officials later estimated the airman’s speed at 89 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour) in a posted 40 kph (25 mph) zone.

Miller attempted to stop prior to the crash, but he was unable to due to his speed, officials said.

Japanese authorities waived jurisdiction of the case to the U.S. Air Force in late November after a detailed investigation.

Misawa Navy awards

MISAWA NAVAL AIR FACILITY, Japan — The Navy at Misawa recognized 21 of its Japanese national employees for superior job performance at an annual awards ceremony Monday at the Tohoku Enlisted Club.

The workers, representing various Navy commands, received the “Sustained Superior Performance Award,” Navy officials said, a reward program designed to recognize Japanese employees for outstanding job contributions.

Employees received cash awards funded by the government of Japan, officials said.

Each Navy command nominates their employees.

The Air Force, Army, and Army and Air Force Exchange Service also hold similar award ceremonies for their Japanese national employees, officials said.

Science scholars

SEOUL — One student and one teacher from the Department of Defense Dependents School system’s Pacific districts have been selected to take part in a highly regarded science institute this summer.

Isabel Chang, a junior at Seoul American High School at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea; and Tynisa Young, a science teacher at E.J. King High School in Sasebo, Japan, will attend the Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The institute, sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education, runs from June 26 to Aug. 6.

Selection was based on a combination of grades, test scores, teacher recommendations, participation in science competitions and community service.

Migrated