This came out:
by 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/7/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The US Coast Guard, supported by Tyndall AFB officials, is currently conducting search and rescue efforts following the loss of communication with a Tyndall-based F-16 aircraft early this morning.
The aircraft, assigned to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, was performing a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico when the base lost contact with the pilot at approximately 9:15 a.m. Aircraft and rescue forces were immediately dispatched to the missing jet's last known location.
While the aircraft has not been found, search teams are working under the assumption that the aircraft has crashed into the water.
"The rescue of our Airman is our top priority," said Col. Mark O'Laughlin, 325 Fighter Wing Vice Commander.
"We want to assure the family and friends of the missing pilot that we are doing everything we can for this effort."
Base officials are encouraging anyone that might have information relevant to today's incident please contact the 325 Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at (850) 283-4500.
A representative from the base will be available for an official statement at 4 p.m. today at the base visitor center. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Followed by this:
11/7/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall officials are deeply saddened to report that the remains of the F-16 pilot involved in today's tragic accident have been recovered from the Gulf of Mexico.
The name of the Airman is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of his next of kin allowing the immediate family time to notify extended family members of the accident.
Base efforts will now shift from that of a rescue mission to a recovery operation as evidence is collected to help in determining the cause of the crash. A board of qualified officers has been assembled to conduct this investigation and no additional information about the accident will be released until the investigation is complete.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of our fallen teammate as they struggle through this extremely difficult time.
Seems like it's been a really bad year safety-wise.
by 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/7/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The US Coast Guard, supported by Tyndall AFB officials, is currently conducting search and rescue efforts following the loss of communication with a Tyndall-based F-16 aircraft early this morning.
The aircraft, assigned to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, was performing a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico when the base lost contact with the pilot at approximately 9:15 a.m. Aircraft and rescue forces were immediately dispatched to the missing jet's last known location.
While the aircraft has not been found, search teams are working under the assumption that the aircraft has crashed into the water.
"The rescue of our Airman is our top priority," said Col. Mark O'Laughlin, 325 Fighter Wing Vice Commander.
"We want to assure the family and friends of the missing pilot that we are doing everything we can for this effort."
Base officials are encouraging anyone that might have information relevant to today's incident please contact the 325 Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at (850) 283-4500.
A representative from the base will be available for an official statement at 4 p.m. today at the base visitor center. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Followed by this:
11/7/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall officials are deeply saddened to report that the remains of the F-16 pilot involved in today's tragic accident have been recovered from the Gulf of Mexico.
The name of the Airman is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of his next of kin allowing the immediate family time to notify extended family members of the accident.
Base efforts will now shift from that of a rescue mission to a recovery operation as evidence is collected to help in determining the cause of the crash. A board of qualified officers has been assembled to conduct this investigation and no additional information about the accident will be released until the investigation is complete.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of our fallen teammate as they struggle through this extremely difficult time.
Seems like it's been a really bad year safety-wise.
