A U.S. F-15 fighter jet crashed into the ocean near Okinawa, Japan, at 6:28 a.m. local Okinowa time Sunday.
An updated statement from Kadena Air Base noted that the the pilot ejected and was recovered by Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Naha Rescue Squadron.
The pilot has been transferred to the U.S. Naval Hospital on Camp Foster and is in serious condition.
We have been notified that the pilot is in serious condition. Our hearts and prayers go to the pilot and his family as they go through this difficult time. @USAirForce @PacificCommand @USForcesJapan @PACAF @KadenaAirBase_J
— Kadena Air Base (@KadenaAirBase) June 11, 2018
All F-15 local training operations have been temporarily paused while the 18th Wing reviews operational, maintenance and safety procedures with unit personnel.
More than 20,000 American service members, family members and Japanese employees live or work on Kadena Air Base.
The pilot has been transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital on Camp Foster by JASDF Naha Rescue Squadron. His current condition is unknown. We will provide more information as it becomes available. @USAirForce @PacificCommand @USForcesJapan @PACAF @KadenaAirBase_J
— Kadena Air Base (@KadenaAirBase) June 11, 2018
Col. Richard Tanner, 18th Wing Vice Commander, said: “I would like to personally thank the Naha Rescue Squadron for their quick response this morning, which led to the safe recovery of our Airman.”
Tanner continued: “I sincerely appreciate the strong support of our Japanese partners in this difficult situation.”
The circumstances as to why the jet crashed are not known at this time, and a board of officers will conduct an investigation.
A tweet stated: “Around 0636 this morning, a Kadena F-15C Eagle crashed in the water south of Okinawa. The pilot successfully ejected and was safely recovered by Search and Rescue teams.”
Around 0636 this morning, a Kadena F-15C Eagle crashed in the
water south of Okinawa. The pilot successfully ejected and was safely recovered
by Search and Rescue teams. @USAirForce @PacificCommand @USForcesJapan @PACAF @KadenaAirBase_J— Kadena Air Base (@KadenaAirBase) June 10, 2018
The crash comes the same day that President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un both arrived in Singapore for their highly anticipated summit.
Kadena thanked the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for their quick response.
Huge thank you to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force search and
rescue team out of Naha Air Base this morning. Your quick response proves once
again how valuable an asset you are to the U.S./Japanese alliance @USAirForce@PacificCommand @USForcesJapan @PACAF @KadenaAirBase_J— Kadena Air Base (@KadenaAirBase) June 11, 2018
Kadena Air Base is a U.S. Air Force base in Kadena and Chatan in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Kadena Air Base is home to the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing, the 353d Special Operations Group, reconnaissance units, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, and a variety of associated units. It is the largest and most active U.S. Air Force base in the Far East.
