An Air Force physician in Kadena, Japan, is accused of raping a 21-year-old Thai woman while his unit took part in an exercise last year in Udon Thani, Thailand, Air Force Times has learned.
Lt. Col. Mark A. Anderson is the 353rd Special Operations Group surgeon general and operations support medical flight commander. He is not in pre-trial confinement because he is not considered a flight risk, according to information obtained by Air Force Times.
Anderson, who is married, is charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm, adultery and failing to obey a lawful order. He is accused of binding the woman's for allegedly raping the Thai woman, during which he allegedly bound her wrists and holding held her down, according to Anderson's charge sheet.
The 353rd Special Operations Group took part in Exercise Teak Torch with members of the Royal Thai Air Force from Jan. 27 to Feb. 7 of 2014.
The charge sheet alleges Anderson sexually assaulted the Thai woman on two occasions between Jan. 30 and Feb. 7 of 2014. He is also charged with adultery and unlawfully having guests in his government billeting between Jan. 20 and Feb. 24 of 2014.
During an Article 32 hearing at Kadena Air Base in December, one witness testified that airmen in Anderson's unit routinely disregard rules and standards during temporary duty assignments and that womanizing and partying is accepted as part of the culture, Air Force Times has learned.
Anderson's court-martial is slated for June 8 at Kadena. He has not seen patients since the investigation started.
Air Force Times' attempts to reach Anderson for comment through 18th Wing public affairs were unsuccessful.
During the exercise in Thailand, airmen with the 353rd Special Operations Group trained with Thai airmen for combat casualty evacuation and casualty care, Anderson is quoted as saying in a Feb. 20, 2014, Air Force news release.
"They trained us on local plants and snakes as well as their experiences in flood relief," he said in the story. "Our Thai counterparts were actively engaged and extremely motivated, which made for a productive exchange."
"We made new friends," Anderson also said. "We were able to participate in several events outside of training as well, which solidified long lasting friendships."
