Japan sacks navy chief over scandals, crash

[unhappycamper]

Japan sacks navy chief over scandals, crash
By Mari Yamaguchi - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Mar 21, 2008 10:01:22 EDT

TOKYO — Japan fired its navy chief Friday and slapped dozens of defense officials with penalties over a series of scandals, while a report found the military negligent in a deadly crash between a destroyer and a fishing boat.

Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who faced pressure to resign following the collision, said he would take a two-month pay cut as part of disciplinary measures aimed at restoring public trust in his battered ministry.

Topping the list of ministry troubles has been a leak of sensitive missile data last year that led to a naval officer’s indictment, and the collision last month between a destroyer and a tuna trawler that left two fishermen presumed dead.

“We promise to take preventive measures firmly and promptly,” Ishiba told reporters, repeating his apologies for “impermissible” scandals and accidents.

Ishiba said he would set up an investigative panel to prevent future problems but gave no details.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_japannavy_032008/