Italian search teams recovered debris in the Adriatic Sea believed to belong to an F-16 fighter from Aviano AB, Italy, that went missing on Monday during a nighttime training mission, announced base officials on Tuesday. US military officials are coordinating search and rescue efforts with Italian military and civilian teams. While the effort has not yet found any sign of the pilot, the search continues, states Aviano’s Jan. 29 release. “We are tremendously grateful for the support and coordination we’ve received from the Italian people and government,” said Brig. Gen Scott Zobrist, commander of Aviano’s 31st Fighter Wing. “From the initial notification, everyone involved has shown complete dedication to finding our missing airman,” he said. Base officials lost contact with the F-16 pilot at approximately 8:00 p.m. Aviano time on Jan. 28. The fighter’s last-known location was 10 nautical miles to 15 nm east of Cervia, Italy, according to the release. Base officials said they’d release more information as it becomes available. (See Aviano’s Facebook page for updates.)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.