An F-16 fighter assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano AB, Italy, crashed Sept. 18 while on a routine high-altitude training mission. The pilot, Maj. Timothy Palmer, ejected and was undergoing medical evaluation but appeared in good condition. The aircraft crashed in a remote area northwest of the base. An accident investigation is underway.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…