Posted on 01/31/2013 8:11:32 AM PST by Freeport
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – The body of an Air Force F-16 pilot who went missing during a night training flight late Monday was found Thursday off the coast of Italy, his family announced in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that the body of Captain Lucas Gruenther was found in the Adriatic Sea this afternoon,” the statement said.
Gruenther and his F-16 Fighting Falcon went missing at about 8 p.m. Monday roughly 150 miles south of Aviano Air Base, where his unit, the 31st Fighter Wing, is based.
A massive search effort ensued, including Italian coast guard and navy ships, fishing vessels and an assortment of planes, including other F-16s from the wing.
In their statement, the family gave thanks for the outpouring of support it received over the nearly four days since Gruenther went missing.
“We especially want to extend our deepest gratitude to the many people who volunteered their time and resources to help bring Luc home,” the statement said.
RIP
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Damn. RIP, sir. Thank you for your service.
I had hoped and prayed that he would be found alive. Combat arms is a dangerous profession, and even practice can create casualties.
/johnny
RIP.
Our reservoir of good men is now a bit smaller.
Rest in peace.
Praying for his loved ones.
And the country he so honorably defended.
RIP, Shipmate.
Ave Atque Vale.
RIP, Brother - Semper Fidelis!
RIP, Brother - Semper Fidelis!
Especially sad. RIP dear man and may God comfort your family. Amen.
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