US Marine Corps pilot Maj Taj Sareen was killed last Friday when his F/A-18C crashed shortly after takeoff near RAF Lakenheath in England. He was part of a unit that was returning from a six-month combat tour in the Middle East.
Reports indicate he ejected just prior to the crash but did not survive.
Sareen reportedly had a young daughter waiting for him back in California. Read more
According to the Air Force, an RAF Lakenheath F-15D Eagle pilot safely ejected and his plane crashed (in a “fireball,” according to a witness):
The pilot, with the 493rd Fighter Squadron, ejected and was brought back to the base with only minor injuries, a spokesman for the base said.
The F-15D is the two-seat version of the F-15C. The rear cockpit was presumably empty. Read more
The Department of Defense announced that “Soul-dier Boot Camp” was brought to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, as part of Armed Forces Entertainment:
Soul-dier Boot Camp is a yoga-inspired, high-intensity, interval cardio class designed to get participants to a high cardiovascular level and then bring them down with a calming, athletic, yoga course.
In the evening, the team entertained with comedy: Read more
Multiple news sources reported on the attack in Frankfurt, Germany, that killed two US Air Force airmen and seriously wounded two more. Said President Obama:
“I’m saddened and I am outraged by this attack that took the lives of two Americans and wounded two others. I think the American people are united in expressing our gratitude for the service of those who were lost. I want everybody to understand that we will spare no effort in learning how this outrageous act took place and in working with German authorities to ensure that all of the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The Airmen were reportedly USAF Security Forces in transit from Lakenheath Read more
The Air Force announced that US Air Force Captain Samuel Robertson, a 26 year old F-15 pilot stationed at RAF Lakenheath (UK), collapsed during a Bible study last week. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital, and the cause of death is under investigation. From his wing commander:
“Our heart-felt condolences go out to Captain Robertson’s family, friends and coworkers. He was a loving husband, a great friend and an outstanding Wingman. His loss will be felt across our Air Force family. The Liberty Wing will provide untiring support and assistance to his family during this difficult time.”