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McConnell crews recover downed F-16

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Crews from McConnell Air Base, Kansas, helped recover an F-16 Fighting Falcon, Oct. 29, near Moline, Kansas.

The aircraft, which belonged to the Oklahoma Air National Guard 138th Fighter Squadron, crashed Monday, Oct. 20, and Airmen from McConnell provided support from the first response to final aircraft recovery.

"I think the Airmen from McConnell did an excellent job," said Capt. James Barnett, Safety Investigation Board maintenance member. "They were very organized and professional from the moment we arrived until we removed the aircraft."

McConnell Airmen arrived at the scene shortly after the crash occurred, and helped with everything from recovery missions to providing security for the area.

"As the nearest military installation, it was our duty to organize a response team and provide security on scene," said Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Within an hour, we launched a team of more than 20 highly-trained and mission-ready Airmen from various Air Force specialty codes who secured the scene in just two hours. The team coordinated with local law enforcement, first responders, eye witnesses, and the land owners for the initial investigation."

McConnell partnered with Airmen from the 138th FW to complete the recovery process.

"The teamwork between members of McConnell and the 138th FW has been very fluid," said Barnett. "The total force integration was supreme. Everything from the initial response to the final aircraft recovery was smooth and flawless."

The Interim Safety Board, which was in charge of the initial investigation, handed over all the documentation to the Safety Investigation Board, Oct. 25.

"This has been the best handover I've seen from an Interim Safety Board to a Safety Inspection Board," said Barnett.

Barnett acknowledged the continuous effort put forth by the response crews.

"I was very impressed with the amount of hard work and dedication to doing an excellent job I saw from everyone involved with this accident," said Barnett.

Jackson contributes the successful response to the continuous training which allowed the 22nd Air Refueling Wing to respond in such a timely manner.

"This collective response would not have been possible if our Airmen had not been trained and ready to respond," said Jackson. "The remarkable professionalism, impeccable attention to detail, and flexibility demonstrated by our Airmen truly exemplifies what it means to be a Mobility Airman."