NHK reported online this afternoon that the SDF has decided to end its search for the five missing crew members of the Iwakuni-based KC-130 air tanker that collided with an FA-18 fighter over waters off Kochi Prefecture on Dec. 6. Although the SDF has participated in the search for the five service members with U.S. Forces and the Japan Coast Guard, it ended the operation as of 6:00 a.m. today after coordinating with U.S. Forces Japan. NHK said the Defense Ministry has asked the USFJ for an explanation of the cause and circumstances of this accident.