F-15E crew perishes in Afghanistan crash

News > F-15E crew perishes in Afghanistan crash

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An F-15E Strike Eagle, like the one shown here, has crashed in eastern Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)
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F-15E crew perishes in Afghanistan crash

Posted 7/18/2009 Updated 7/18/2009

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7/18/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Two Air Force officers were killed July 18 in the crash of an F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft, assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., was flying in support of coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones...and to the Airmen and the joint and coalition team members who called them friends and will miss their fellow warriors," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander.

A team of U.S. and coalition forces immediately responded to the crash site, secured it and recovered the Airmen.

Notification of the officers' next of kin is ongoing, and the names have not yet been released, consistent with Department of Defense policy.

The Airmen will be returned to their families through a dignified transfer from Afghanistan to the United States.

The crash was not due to hostile fire. A board of officers will be convened to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

Comments

7/23/2009 1:43:08 PM ET
If anyone wondered about freedom's cost this answered them well. Whether it is lost sight, lost arms, lost legs or lost lives--nobody should ever forget what we fight for is not free but it is a gift we give to others so they might enjoy the freedom we see. The Eagle's shell fell from the sky--but not its soul--for God has carried it high.

Alicia Harris, Robins AFB

7/22/2009 11:38:16 AM ET
My prayers go out for the family and friends of these two fallen Airmen. May they find peace and comfort in the knowedge that these men were lost doing what they loved in the service of a greatful nation. God bless.

Jamie, Vandenberg AFB

7/21/2009 4:34:28 PM ET
My thoughts go out to the families of these Aircrew members. Hopefully we can honor their service by getting the people that caused them to be over there in the first place.

Justin, WPAFB OH

7/20/2009 11:04:54 PM ET
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of my fellow warriors. May they find peace and solace. God Bless them all.

Robert, Travis AFB Ca

7/20/2009 3:36:16 PM ET
a sad moment to read there are two 336FS members are crashed.I still support the USAFE airmen in Afghanistan.

sander, The Netherlands

7/20/2009 3:11:54 PM ET
Praying for you Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Danielle, Phoenix AZ

7/20/2009 1:33:40 PM ET
...And He will raise you up on eagles wings bear you on the breath of dawn make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of His hand.----------------------------If I can see it then I can do itIf I just beleive it there's nothing to itI can believe I can flyI believe I can touch the skyI think about it every night and daySpread my wings and fly awayI believe I can soarI see me running through that open doorI believe I can flyI believe I can fly...--------------------------------High FlightOh I have slipped the surly bonds of EarthAnd danced the skies on laughter-silvered wingsSunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirthOf sun-split clouds and done a hundred thingsYou have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring thereI've chased the shouting wind along and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .Up up the long delirious burning blueI've toppe

Kaye Merriman, Colorado City Co.

7/20/2009 12:28:25 PM ET
My deepest prayers of condolence are offered to the families of these heroic young men. I am saddened beyond words. Such a great loss of talented bright decent young lives.

Joyce, Harlingen TX

7/20/2009 9:37:49 AM ET
May God bless these airman who paid the ulitmate price for our freedoms. My prayer is for peace to their families and comrades-in-arms who are left here to carry on the mission and fight the good fight.

David Carlon, Little Rock AFB AR

7/20/2009 5:28:09 AM ET
I used to be an Airman stationed at SJ from 03-07. I am now in the Army but never forget that every one can pay the ultimate sacrafice. My prayers go out to the families friends of these two 4th FW Officers.

Sebastian, On leave Stateside

7/20/2009 4:28:14 AM ET
God's Blessings to our brave Airmen and their families. Our prayers are with you.

Diana, California

7/20/2009 1:38:44 AM ET
My prayers are with the both of these true heroes.

Nick, Chicago

7/20/2009 12:33:36 AM ET
This is definitely a hard one to swallow. I am currently stationed here at SJAFB and was suppose to deploy with these brothers and sisters. May God bless these heroes that have fallen and their families as well. God be with all those who are still over there. I pray everyday that you all come back home to your loved ones soon.

Les williams, Seymour-Johnson AFB

7/19/2009 3:45:03 PM ET
Our deepest condolences to the family comrades and loved ones of these two courageous airmen. They have served such a selfless act of duty in defending our country.May God Bless You and Comfort You in Peace

Diane Fox, New Jersey

7/19/2009 9:46:44 AM ET
A true warrior trains for war yet prays for peace. May they now be at a place of peace.

Ed James, Virginia

7/19/2009 9:13:21 AM ET
Deepest sympathy to the families and to the entire Air Force Family for their loss of these brave airmen.

Frances, Lake Worth FL

7/19/2009 8:54:50 AM ET
I was deeply sorrowed to hear of the loss of two of our own.The flood of emotions were unstopable as My son is from the same base in NC and is now there with them at Bagram. My concern is the ones left behind their crew members will be tended to emotionally and debriefed and helped with the greving process.The war changes everyone.The loss if not addressed properly will not allow the menwomen have resolve or closure and move on.I have delt with death and dying for over 10 years and have seen what the cost is emotionally if not addressed properly.We need to keep their minds intact and healthy as they are so very fragle in these times. We can fix the body but the mind is not so easy to put back together so many things are suppressed and tucked away only to hinder and resurfess at a much later date effecting their family life and their productivity costing more US dollars to help them.The mind is a terrible thing to waste.We need to perserve it at all cost.Thanks for listeningA pro

Mary P Adams APRNBC, New Jersey

7/19/2009 8:47:29 AM ET
It's always a sad day when an Eagle falls out of the sky it's even worse when we lose american lives with it my prays go out to the men we lost and their families to give them the strength to make it through this difficult time.

Phil, Bagram AF Afghanistan

7/18/2009 9:32:15 PM ET
God's Peace be upon thier families and friends. May the Pilot and WSO rest in peace.

Mike Webb, Forest City NC

7/18/2009 7:22:57 PM ET
The friends and family members of the aircrew are in my prayers as well as their fellow squadron members and the aircraft maintainers.

Jen, South Korea

7/18/2009 4:24:11 PM ET
A sad day for the men and women of the Fourth. My thoughts and prayers are with these brave Airmen and their families.

Allen Herritage, Iraq

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