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.
