CAMP SMITH, Hawaii – The U.S. Pacific Command will begin operations June 13 to return the damaged U.S. Navy EP-3 surveillance plane to the United States from Lingshui Airfield on Hainan Island, China.

DoD recently contracted Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. to perform the disassembly work. Lockheed Martin and HNA Hotel Co., a Chinese company, signed a $75,724 contract June 11 for services such as rental vehicles, storage of tools and equipment, lighting and sanitation.

In the next few days, Lockheed Martin will begin dismantling the aircraft and preparing it for shipment. This process is expected to take several weeks. It will then be transported to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on two Russian-made AN-124 aircraft operated by Polyot Air Cargo Ltd., of Voronezh, Russia. Kadena AB will be used as a support base during the operation. Click for significant event schedule.

The EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided in the air April 1. Subsequently, the EP-3 made an emergency landing at Lingshui airfield on Hainan Island. The 23 crewmembers were released after 11 days of negotiations between U.S. and Chinese officials.

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U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, J01PA3

BOX 64031 CAMP H.M. SMITH, HAWAII 96861-4031

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