An F-16 Fighting Falcon, similar to the one pictured here, from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, lost communication with the base during a training mission Jan. 28, 2013, over the Adriatic Sea. United States and Italian military officials, along with Italian civilian authorities, continue to search for the pilot and aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Wood)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Search and rescue effort continues for missing aircraft

Published Jan. 29, 2013

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNS) -- U.S. military officials are coordinating search and rescue efforts with Italian military and civilian teams following the loss of communication with an Aviano F-16 Fighting Falcon jet the evening on Jan. 28.

The aircraft, assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, was performing a training mission over the Adriatic Sea when the base lost contact with the pilot at approximately 8 p.m. Soon after, Italian aircraft and ships were dispatched to the missing jet's last known location.

While the aircraft has not yet been found, search teams are working under the assumption that the aircraft crashed in the Adriatic Sea.

"The search for and rescue of our pilot is our top priority," said Col. David W. Walker, the 31st Operations Group commander. "We want to assure the family and friends of the lost Airman that we are doing everything we can for this effort."

More information will be released as it becomes available.

(Courtesy of the 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office)

Featured News