USAF Bomber Crashes into Pacific
A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber has crashed, reports emerging early on July 21st have said.
The aircraft came down into the Pacific Ocean and, according to initial coverage given to the incident, at least six people are missing.
In a statement, the USAF said that no information was currently available on the crew members' positions.
This statement gave no details on the total number of crew members, or information on why the aircraft crashed.
Liberation Day, Guam
It is understood, however, that the B-52 was scheduled to participate in a Liberation Day event in Guam - a day marking the territory's liberation from Japan 64 years ago.
Earlier this year, a United States Air Force B-2 Spirit - known as the "Stealth Bomber" - was involved in a crash landing at Guam's Anderson Air Force Base. This incident saw both pilots leave the aircraft in a safe manner.
Update
Further to Armed Forces International’s initial coverage of this crash, some further information has now emerged.
Pacific Rescue Operation
A rescue operation has been underway and, so far, at least two of those onboard the B-52 have been pulled from the Pacific Ocean, according to information provided by the US Coast Guard.
What kind of state these two military personnel were in, however, is not yet known.
Lieutenant Elizabeth Buendia, a spokeswoman for the Coast Guard, said that six boats, three helicopters, a pair of US Military F-15 Eagle combat jets and another USAF B-52 Stratofortress were taking part in the operation.
"We have an active search that's going to go on throughout the night", Buendia said.
The B-52 that crashed was based at Louisiana’s Barksdale AFB (Air Force Base).
Armed Forces International will provide further coverage on this crash as more information emerges.
Source - Armed Forces International's US Correspondent
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