The US Navy rescue and salvage ship USS Safeguard collaborated with South Korean to conduct a recovery operation to find components of a USAF F-16 from the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan AB, South Korea, that crashed March 14. The operation involved crews searching for wreckage under 20 meters of water, approximately 20 miles off the west coast of South Korea. Although operations were suspended because of deteriorating conditions and high winds, the Navy says it provided an excellent opportunity for real-word joint salvage training, in addition to aiding the Air Force accident investigation process.
An Air Force F-16 pilot designed a collapsible ladder that weighs just six pounds and folds into the unused cockpit map case.