Two crew members ejected from their U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, like the one shown here, when the aircraft experienced equipment malfunction over northeast, Libya, March 21, at approximately 10:30 p.m. Central European Time.
3/22/2011 - USS MOUNT WHITNEY, Mediterranean Sea (AFNS) -- Two crew members ejected from their U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle when the aircraft experienced equipment malfunction over northeast, Libya, March 21, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Both crew members ejected and are safe.
The aircraft, based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, was flying out of Aviano Air Base in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn at the time of the incident.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The identities will be released after the next of kin have been notified.
Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces.
For additional information, please contact Joint Task Force-Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs at:
JTF-OD PUBLIC AFFAIRS E-mail:JTFPAO@lcc20.navy.mil PSC 809 BOX 70 Phone: 39-081-568-9000 EX: 4725/4722/4721
Comments
3/24/2011 2:33:16 PM ET Many news sources said that the recovery team fired at civilians and thier was injuries among them.Second time please make sure what are you shooting
Ahmed Sherbeny, Egypt
3/23/2011 1:10:09 PM ET Great job, Aircrew Flight Equipment and Egress... Without them you won't be rescued.
Jake, WA
3/22/2011 10:01:57 PM ET Great job, Marines, for conducting the recovery.
Thomas, California
3/22/2011 7:08:18 PM ET Glad to hear the plane wasn't shot down and even happier to hear the men are OK.
Fred Harbrueger, San Diego ca
3/22/2011 6:10:32 PM ET men you are great. I admire your courage and your commitment. keep it up
michael, italy
3/22/2011 11:04:43 AM ET May god bless American Air Force Pilots and may they succeed in helping Lybian nation get rid of their dictator
jeton, Kosovo
3/22/2011 9:06:02 AM ET Thank God we got both of the F-15 crew out safely - awesome job search and rescue.
