7/19/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Defense officials here July 19 announced the names of two Airmen who died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in a nonhostile F-15E Strike Eagle crash July 18 near Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.
Killed were:
-- Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
-- Capt. Mark R. McDowell, 26, of Charlotte, N.C. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB.
The crash occured at 3:15 A.M. Kabul time. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft uses two crewmembers, a pilot and a weapon systems officer.
Additional details will be provided as information becomes available. A board of officers will investigate the accident.
Comments
8/1/2009 5:31:59 PM ET I am so sorry of this accident. They were very young pilots and very courageous. This is a big lost for u.s. air forces and their family and I feel deep pity with family of these brave pilots who gave their life for Afghanistan freedom. Zlatko Kicovic Serbia Cacak.
