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USAF pilot ejects F-15 before crash off Okinawa coast

By Ray Downs
A trio of F-15 C Eagles fly over England on July 7, 2016. An F-15 C Eagle crashed into the ocean off Japan Monday. Photo by Senior Airman Erin Trower/U.S. Air Force
A trio of F-15 C Eagles fly over England on July 7, 2016. An F-15 C Eagle crashed into the ocean off Japan Monday. Photo by Senior Airman Erin Trower/U.S. Air Force

June 10 (UPI) -- A U.S. Air Force F-15C fighter jet crashed into the sea near Okinawa, Japan, on Monday morning, but the pilot was able to safely eject, officials said.

"A Kadena F-15C Eagle crashed in the water south of Okinawa," the Kadena Air Force Base said in a tweet. "The pilot successfully ejected and was safely recovered by Search and Rescue teams."

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The pilot was the only person aboard the aircraft.

A joint effort between the United States and Japan was coordinated to locate the pilot after the crash.

"Huge thank you to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force search and rescue team out of Naha Air Base this morning. Your quick response proves once again how valuable an asset you are to the U.S./Japanese alliance," the Kaena Air Force Base tweeted,

Officials said the aircraft was conducting a routine training mission when it crashed.

According to Stars and Stripes, this is the 12th crash involving U.S. military aircraft this year.

Last month, an Air Force T-38C Talon crashed near Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Both pilots on board were able to safely eject and treated for minor injuries.

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