Pieces of the disassembled US spy plane that collided earlier this year with a Chinese fighter jet have arrived in Hawaii.
The EP-3E aircraft had been on Hainan Island since April when it landed after the mid-air collision.
The fuselage and equipment used to dismantle the plane were packed into an Antonov-124 cargo aircraft, which landed at Hickam Air Force Base.
Navy Cmdr John Fleming of the US Pacific Command in Hawaii said: "Things went extremely smoothly. It was a very well-orchestrated operation."
He said technicians were able to finish the work well before the 25-day deadline of July 11th due to ideal weather conditions, lack of mechanical problems and Chinese cooperation.
"By every measure, the co-operation from the host nation was outstanding," he said.
PA