An U.S. Air Force F-22 fighter is missing. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reports the fighter was on a training mission when they lost contact about 7:40 pm Tuesday. The twin-engine fighter jet carries one person.
The Alaska Air National Guard Rescue Coordination Center, airmen in HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and an HC-130 King are combing the last known location of the missing jet. It is an area northeast of Cantwell, Alaska according to an official military statement by 3rd Wing Public Affairs.
Col. Jack McMullen, 3rd Wing commander released a statement saying the pilot is the main concern. "Right now, our top priority is to try to bring the pilot home safely. We will continue to search until we find our pilot. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this missing Airman." Another Air Force F-22 and pilot were lost in a crash near Edwards Air Force Base in California in March of last year.
Even though pilots are well trained in survival, the pilot has to escape from the craft first. With an F-22 fighter missing, one can only assume, the conditions in Alaska this time of year are not ideal. A pilot surely has a better chance with an F-22 fighter. “Feared down” can only translate to the pilot is in serious condition or already dead. Thankfully, Pilots are equipped with electronic devices to broadcast their location.
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