7/22/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- The pilot who ejected from a U.S. F-16 aircraft earlier Sunday morning was retrieved around 5:30 p.m. JKT on July 22, 2012, by a combined effort from Japanese and U.S. civilian and military assets.
The pilot is in stable condition aboard a U.S. commercial vessel.
The incident occurred approximately 11:30 a.m. JKT as the F-16 Fighting Falcon was en route to North America.
Several agencies, including the Japanese Coast Guard, Japan Self Defense Forces, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and civilian vessels in the area responded to the call.
"We are thankful for the support from our Japanese friends and other agencies committed to ensuring the safe recovery of our Airman," said Col. Al Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander.
"The tireless efforts of everyone involved ensured a successful recovery," Wimmer added. "We are extremely grateful for their assistance and humbled by the rapid and skilled response. We are proud to be a part of such an effective alliance and send our most heartfelt thanks to all those involved."
The cause of the incident will be investigated. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Comments
8/14/2012 1:26:51 PM ET I was Born and raised in the Air Force. My dad was in SAC thus SACBRAT. We moved every 2 to 3 years.Saw the worldBut became of age and had my eyes opened while stioned at KADENA AB OkinawaJapan. We lived off base.So interaction with the locals started the first morning we woke up.Although there was a language barrier-the locals were the greatest experience of my life as a dependent in the AF.We taught each our languages and lived like as next door neighbors and friendsAllies.Our presense around the world does have it's good points.Wouldn't trade my life growing up for anything.WE the humans are a species living together on one big BLUE marble EARTH.
