An Air Force Special Operations Command PC-12 light transport aircraft crashed July 8 on the runway at Hurlburt Field, Fla., during a routine training mission. “Initial reports show the aircraft encountered wake turbulence shortly before the accident,” the command said in a statement on July 9. The three persons onboard were uninjured. AFSOC said it will investigate the mishap. The PC-12 is designed to provide intratheater airlift support to special ops forces. The aircraft has the ability to operate on short and unimproved runway surfaces.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.