The Air Force has identified the pilot of the F-22 that crashed Tuesday about 100 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska. He is Capt. Jeffrey Haney, a member of the 525th Fighter Squadron at JB Elmendorf, Alaska. Haney’s current status is missing. USAF officials notified Haney’s family on Tuesday evening, according to an Elmendorf release. “This is a very uncertain and difficult time for the family,” said Col. Jack McMullen, commander of Elmendorf’s 3rd Wing. He added, “We ask that the public continue to work with us to respect their privacy and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.” Before the Air Force released Haney’s name to the public, some press reports had already identified him, citing a family member back in Michigan (see below). Search and rescue teams discovered the F-22 wreckage in a remote area of rugged terrain on Wednesday. Rescue teams continue to search the area for Haney. As of late Thursday, it was uncertain whether Hanley’s ejection seat was at the crash site or in another area.
The U.S. is moving to surge firepower over Iran, including its capital of Tehran, defense officials leading the campaign said March 5 at U.S. Central Command headquarters. Bomber strikes are being stepped up and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed.