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Coalition service members from Bagram Airfield completed the recovery of a downed F-16 which crashed March 29 near the base.
U.S. Airmen, soldiers, Marines and service members from other Coalition nations stepped in to secure and clean-up the crash site to ensure the safety of the local community—all while keeping the base’s primary mission up-and-running.
“We are very thankful that the pilot ejected safely from the aircraft and I am proud of the rapid and professional response from various joint and multinational units from all over Bagram,” said Col. Patrick Schlichenmeyer, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. “Despite this accident, we were able to continue to support our mission requirements, and continue to fly 24-7 in support of this noble mission in Afghanistan.”
Coalition personnel spent two days combing through the debris field left as a result of the crash, and were able to recover majority of the wreckage including the plane’s munitions load, Schlichenmeyer said.
Through the assistance of Afghan authorities and cooperative local residents, the team wrapped up their efforts March 31.
“Local Afghan residents were supportive of our recovery efforts, and allowed Coalition personnel space to perform their required actions,” Schlichenmeyer said. “We couldn’t have done this without their cooperation, and it shows the relationship we aim to achieve with our Afghan hosts.”
The F-16s at Bagram Airfield provide 24-hour overwatch and close-air-support for ground units in Afghanistan. While the cause of the crash continues to be investigated, the Airmen of the 455th AEW continue to provide the airpower needed to support the ongoing missions in Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2016 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 194170 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 854 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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