An F-15E crashed in Southwest Asia on May 3 during a routine training mission, announced Air Forces Central officials. “Both crew members ejected safely,” stated AFCENT’s release. The Strike Eagle was part of an expeditionary contingent deployed to the region from the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home, Idaho. “We are extremely grateful that our Gunfighters are safe,” said Col. Bruce Smith, the wing’s vice commander, in a release. The cause of the incident is under investigation. However, Maj. James Bressendorff, AFCENT spokesman, said in a separate release the mishap “was not due to any hostile fire or insurgent activity.” AFCENT said it would release more details as they became available. (Our initial coverage)
The Air Force budget would grow to $234 billion while Space Force spending would shrink to $26 billion under the White House's yearly ask.