F-15E Down in Afghanistan

[Sim]

:beer:

[BQZip01]

All, let us know names once they are released (NOT BEFORE!!!)

[JarheadBoom]

[Hacker]

This article today from the Goldsboro News-Argus prompted me to write them:

http://www.newsargus.com/news/archives/2009/07/19/two_from_sjafb_killed_in_jet_crash/

The war in Afghanistan came home to Wayne County early Saturday morning as Air Force officials notified the 4th Fighter Wing that two of its airmen had fallen.

A Seymour Johnson Air Force Base F-15E Strike Eagle crashed in the country's eastern region around 3:15 a.m. Kabul time while flying in support of Coalition operations on the ground, killing both the pilot and weapons system officer, they said.

Shortly after the crash -- the cause is under investigation but officials have all but ruled out hostile fire -- a team of U.S. and Coalition forces had secured the site and recovered the airmen, whose names have not yet been released.

But that fact provides little comfort to those now left behind.

Retired Air Force colonel and Goldsboro Mayor Al King said he was devastated when 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Kelly called him Saturday morning.

"For a Saturday morning, or any morning, it's the worst thing we could hear," he said. "When you read about (a troop being killed), it's always bad. But when they are family, that's even more devastating."

Troy Pate, 10-time local Military Affairs Commission chairman and active chairman of the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs, shared the mayor's grief.

"Over the years, (my wife, Joyce, and I) have come to know many of these young people very well," said Pate, who has been an active advocate for Seymour Johnson for 30-plus years. "So something like this makes us realize the frailty of life. And it makes us appreciate even more the tremendous sacrifices they are making on behalf of this great nation."

Current Military Affairs Commission chairman Dr. Mike Gooden said hearing the news was "shocking," but that he and others will now turn their focus to honoring the crew's memory -- and supporting their families.

"These young people are true patriots and our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these fine young airmen," he said. "Of course, we'll do anything we can to help the families."

*

Members of the 4th's 336th Fighter Squadron, currently deployed from Seymour Johnson to Bagram Air Base, are charged with flying close-air-support missions in support of troops on the ground 24/7 -- escorting convoys, responding to troops-in-contact calls with shows of force, and, when necessary, eliminating enemy threats on the ground.

And that means their job is still no fail, Kelly said, despite the grief he knows each must now be feeling.

"They need to compartmentalize this event. You cannot perform and grieve at the same time," he said. "You want to give respect for their service? ... Then you have to go out their and continue their tasking. The 18-year-olds on the ground need us now more than ever."

Saturday's crash produced the first combat-related deaths of Seymour Johnson airmen since Operation Desert Storm.

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones was in Goldsboro Saturday afternoon and acknowledged the community's loss.

"It deeply saddens me and my heart aches anytime I hear of our men in women in uniform paying the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms," he said. "These men and women are our heroes. My deepest sympathies go out to their families."

King agrees with Jones.

"These are the heroes. These are our heroes," he said. "Every time they get in one of those airplanes, they are putting their lives on the line for us. So let us all appreciate more and more what they do. Without them, our lives might be a living hell."

*

Base officials have yet to plan a memorial service for the fallen Rocketeers.

They have not even released their names.

So for now, flags hanging at half-mast and discussions between senior leaders and those airmen under their command will tell the story that is still unfolding both at home and abroad.

Kelly said most base personnel already know about the death of their comrades.

And those who don't will be briefed as soon as possible.

"Our airmen deserve to be told face to face," Kelly said. "They deserve more than just an e-mail from me. This is the most important lesson on the cost of freedom."

Both Kelly and King said those sacrifices will certainly be honored -- inside and outside the Seymour Johnson gates.

And their families and friends will find arms extended -- whatever they need to get through the pain that accompanies such a loss.

"Unfortunately the crew is gone, but they have friends and family and colleagues, and we can certainly reach out," King said. "Even when it's difficult. It's extremely difficult for me."

My letter, in response to the bold section of the article above:

Your story "Two from SJAFB killed in jet crash" contained a significant and notable error. You wrote,

"Saturday's crash produced the first combat-related deaths of Seymour Johnson airmen since Operation Desert Storm."

How short the News-Argus' memory is!

Only six years ago, on 7 April 2003, another 4th Fighter Wing pilot and WSO were killed in combat action. Capt Eric "Boot" Das and Lt Col Bill "Salty" Watkins, both instructors in the 333rd FS and flying as part of the 335th EFS, were Killed In Action while conducting operations near Tikrit, Iraq as part of the "Shock and Awe" phase of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Certainly the losses of two more heroes in this latest crash are tragic, but PLEASE don't let the sacrifices of Boot and Salty -- and their families -- be forgotten so quickly!

[Steve Davies]

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An American fighter jet crashed early Saturday in central Afghanistan because of mechanical problems, killing two crew members, officials said.

Col. Greg Julian, a United States military spokesman, said the pilot of a second fighter aircraft flying alongside the first jet saw no evidence of hostile fire. Colonel Julian said on his Twitter site that mechanical problems caused the crash. Afghan authorities described the remote area where the plane went down as peaceful.

[Hacker]

Killed were Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn, and Capt. Mark R. McDowell, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

http://www.newsargus.com/news/archives/2009/07/19/pilot_wso_identified/

[pawnman]

That really brings the war home for me, at least. I knew Tom personally...my first Thanksgiving away from "home" was at Tom's house in PCola, with a whole group of young student WSOs. I remember sitting around his house, playing Wii bowling...I remember that he was an AVID golfer, and that it was rare for a day to go by when he didn't play at least 9-holes...

Godspeed Tom. I'd kind of lost touch with him since graduation, so I've got no contact info for his wife...I hope she's being taken care of. Hacker, if you've got an address, if not for their home, then for the squadron where I could send her my condolences, I'd appreciate it.

[Scooter14]

[Steve Davies]

&

[Eeyore]

[B*D*A]

Thoughts and prayers for their families.

[Guest Knuckle Dragger]

To my fallen MudHen bros...Peace, and to their families, stay stong, we all care about you. Godspeed and Peace be with you.

Knuckles

Edited July 20, 2009 by Knuckle Dragger

[MKopack]

CNN is reporting that a fighter aircraft is down this morning during a takeoff in Kandahar.

The crew ejected safely, and was being treated. Five hours after the crash, the wreckage of the plane was still on fire. Military officials did not identify the type of jet that crashed, nor did they release the nationality of the crew.

Mike

[Guest PerArduaAdAstra]

CNN is reporting that a fighter aircraft is down this morning during a takeoff in Kandahar.

Mike

RAF Tornado, both crew safely ejected and are in the hospital at Kandahar

BBC

[Guest CharlieDontSurf]

Godspeed gents.

Anyone go to school with these guys? When/where?

[Smokin]

The River Rats / Air Warrior Courage Foundation (AWCF) is an IRS 501©(3) charitable non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledged and a tax receipt will be provided. All donations received will be divided equally between the two accounts. The AWCF has opened the accounts, and will donate $2,000.00 to each account.

On-line credit card donations can be made using the "Give Direct" option at www.AirWarriorCourage.org . When prompted, indicate that the donation is for the "Gramith Family".

Donations can also be made by check payable to "AWCF". On the "For" line indicate "Gramith Family". Checks should be mailed to AWCF, PO Box 1553, Front Royal, VA 22630-0033

Very Respectfully,

Cap-10

Awesome organization, thanks for the info.

[TheKing]

[Stitch]

[Noodle]

Went to SERE with Tom, great guy he will be missed.

[Guest Rage]

I had beers with Mark at McGuire's in Pensacola after water survival...

great dude

RIP bro

[aceart]

Godspeed

[Flare]

Has anyone found where they have released any photos of our fallen brothers? I'm pretty certain I gave Pitbull a checkride at SPS but was hoping for a photo to confirm.

Either way, nickel on the grass for Pitbull and Lag. Him him.

[Hacker]

The Goldsboro News-Argus had photos on their website the day the names were released.

[Guest peanut]

The Goldsboro News-Argus had photos on their website the day the names were released.

Unless my computer screwed up, I think they tood those down shortly after they were posted.

Do a google search and there are videos on there where the Charlotte area news is interviewing his parents. Mark's pics are in there also. Link below.

http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-072209-al-war_hero_killed.6572244a.html

[Aurora85]

Just found out today from a friend that Mark passed away. I was in his ASBC class a few years back before we both attended UPT. He was a great guy all around. Shocked to hear this news.