An Air Force F-16 pilot is safe after ejecting from his jet during a training flight the morning of August 11 over the Bavaria region of Germany, according to 52nd Fighter Wing offici?als. The pilot, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, ejected around 9:38 a.m. local time near Engelmannreuth, Germany, while on a training flight to a range near US Army Garrison Bavaria in Grafenwoehr, Germany, according to the officials. The pilot jettisoned his fuel tanks over an unpopulated area before ejecting. The F-16 was not carrying live ordnance, but was flying with six 25-pound, unarmed training munitions at the time of the crash. “Our pilots go through extensive emergency procedure training, preparing them for a variety of crises that may occur,” said Col. Steve Horton, the 52nd FW vice commander. “We are thankful that our pilot was able to put his training into action.” The pilot experienced non-serious injuries and was undergoing treatment at a local German hospital shortly after the incident. The 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem canceled flying operations for 24 hours following the mishap, and the crash is under investigation.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.