Search and rescue aircraft have discovered the apparent wreckage of the missing F-22 assigned to the 3rd Wing at JB Elmendorf, Alaska, wing officials announced Wednesday at approximately 4:30 East Coast time. This aircraft went missing Tuesday evening during a training flight. The search continues for the aircraft’s pilot, with a rescue team being dispatched to the area, which is approximately 100 miles north of Anchorage, they said. “Finding the missing pilot is our top priority,” said Col. Jack McMullen, 3rd Wing commander. He added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this missing airman, and we thank all Alaskans for their continued support and prayers during this trying time.”
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.