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F-15 fighters respond to F-16 crash

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Continental U.S. NORAD Region here launched F-15 "Eagle" fighters yesterday to assist in the recovery of an F-16 "Falcon" pilot who ejected over the Straits of Florida.

In coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, CONR launched two Florida Air National Guard F-15 fighters from Homestead Air Reserve Base to help the U.S. Coast Guard locate the F-16 pilot, who ejected before his plane crashed in the water off Marathon, Fla. Once the pilot was located, the F-15s patrolled the area to the ensure air safety and security of search and rescue operations over the crash site.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, aligned under 1st Air Force here, initiated search and rescue operations with the U.S. Coast Guard, who coordinated the interagency response.

The F-16 pilot was rescued by a U.S. Navy HH-60 "Seahawk" helicopter from Naval Air Station Key West and transported to a local medical facility.

For more information contact 1st Air Force Public Affairs at 850-283-8659.