An Air Force F-15E crashed Wednesday approximately 15 miles outside of a base in Southwest Asia, killing one crew member and injuring the second, announced Air Forces Central officials. Emergency response personnel brought the injured crew member to a military medical facility for treatment of minor injuries, they said. The Air Force has not released the name of the deceased airman, pending notification of kin. What is known is that the aircrew was deployed to the region from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. “This is obviously a very sad day for the Gunfighters, as we mourn the loss of one of our warriors,” said Col. Ron Buckley, commander of Mountain Home’s 366th Fighter Wing, in a release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” The cause of the incident is under investigation. More details will be released as they become available, said the AFCENT officials.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.