The US Coast Guard recovered the body of Air National Guard F-15 pilot whose fighter crashed June 26 off the coast of Oregon the evening of the crash, but officials delayed releasing the news until June 27. Air Guard officials subsequently identified the pilot as Maj. Gregory D. Young, 34, of St. Helens, Ore., who was a member of the Oregon ANG’s 142nd Fighter Wing, based at Portland. At the time of the accident, he was flying a routine training mission in an exercise with other ANG pilots and Marine Corps Reserve F/A-18s from Texas. The Air Force is investigating the accident.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
