An F-15 fighter assigned to Kadena AB, Japan, crashed in the Pacific Ocean about 70 miles east of Okinawa on Monday, announced Air Force officials. Japan Air Self Defense Force rescuers recovered the pilot who ejected from the airplane at about 9 a.m. local time, according to the service’s May 28 release. The pilot, whose name is not releasable at this time, is in stable condition and under evaluation at a military medical facility, states the release. The cause of the crash is thus far undetermined. Officials said they would release more information as it becomes available.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.