US Air Force Pilot Rescued After F-16 Crashes Into Ocean Near Japan
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By: Matt Molnar
Tags: ejection, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Japan, military, military aircraft, Pacific Ocean, plane crashes, US Air Force
A U.S. Air Force Block 40 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a mission over Iraq on June 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway)
A US Air Force pilot was plucked out of the Pacific Ocean on Sunday after ejecting from his F-16 fighter jet went down 250 miles northeast of Japan’s Hokkaido Island.
The unidentified pilot was in stable condition onboard an American civilian ship, the Air Force said.
No one else was onboard the single-seat General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The plane was flying to North America at the time of the incident. Its origin was not revealed.
“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.
A number of agencies, including the Japanese Coast Guard, Japan Self Defense Forces, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and civilian vessels responded to the crash.
