Damn.
Damn, my brother is stationed on Guam.
http://www.kuam.com/news/26596.aspx
KUAM News has learned that a B-2 stealth bomber crashed at Andersen Air Force Base this morning. The incident happened at around 10:45am Saturday, as information we’ve gathered so far indicates that a lead B-2 aircraft took off and became safely airborne, but when minutes later a second bomber took off for reasons that are unknown at this point, that aircraft crashed.
However, at least two pilots were ejected before the plane hit. Their conditions are unknown at this time. AAFB public affairs officials have not been able to be reached for comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, Yigo residents have reported that they’ve seen large plumes of black smoke coming from the nearby military base. Additionally, according to Guam Fire Department Angel Llagas, a large explosion was also reported to the island’s 911 service this morning, and two units responded to the area.
This is the second military aircraft that has crashed in the last 11 days. On February 12 a Navy Ea-6b Prowler attached to the U.S.S. Kittyhawk strike group went down about 20 miles to the north of AAFB. All four of the pilots in that incident were released from the hospital with minor injuries.
Some facts about the B-2 Spirit Bomber:
- Assigned to 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron
- Homebased out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri
- Deployed to Guam as part of continuous bomber presence in Asia-Pacific region
- Primary function: Multi-role heavy bomber
- Armament: Conventional/nuclear weapons
- Payload: 40,000 lbs.
- Crew: Two pilots
- Unit cost: Approximately $1.2 billion
~~~
Prayers for the safety of our pilots.
Oh no!
Hope & pray it turns out to be a hard landing or nicking a vehicle on the tramac.
Just DAMN!
MI PING!
At $1,200,000,000 per plane, this will be the most thoroughly investigated Air Force crash in history.
Also, unless something extraordinary happened, like a flock of birds being ingested into both engines causing the crash, this will ground the B-2 fleet.
Prayers for their safety.
At the end of the runway (if it is the one I think it is) is a very deep ocean trench. The B-2 is probably resting somewhere between a couple of B-52’s.
The Congress is nickel and dimeing the air force to the point they won’t be able to perform their mission to defend this country.
just when we are staring to see a lot of very bad actors throwing tantrums at us.
Prayers for our Air Force family...
The cost of the B-2 program in 1994 dollars was reported at $737 million per plane; however, the total cost of the program with development, spares, and facilities averaged over $2.1 billion per plane as of 1997 according to the B-2 program office
Glad the crew got out safely. In dollar costs, this is like losing a Space Shuttle.
Just saw video from FOX. Looks like the plane crashed at the end of a runway. Lots of smoke visible, but no sign of the crew (said to have ejected) or the aircraft itself.
Was the aircraft completely destroyed? What of the danger if it falls into enemy hands? Does this aircraft have a self or automated destruct system?/Just Asking - seoul62...........
First, I hope the pilot is Ok.
But then... damn - 2 billion dollars.
NEWS UPDATE: 1:45 p.m. - Crashed plane is a B-2 stealth bomber, pilots safe
Pacific Daily News
news@guampdn.com
1:45 p.m. - The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a B-2 bomber crashed on Andersen air Force Base at about 10:45 a.m. today.
Two pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing were on board and ejected, according to a press release from Pacific Air Command public affairs at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.
Medics have determined the pilots are in good condition, the release said.
A board of officers will investigate why the plane crashed, according to the release. According to the Government Accountability Office each B-2 Spirit Bomber costs about $2 billion.
The bomber was visiting from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
Which brings me to ask a question nobody ever asks:
Since 9-11, have more military people died in Iraq and Afghanistan -------or outside Iraq and Afghanistan?
Alert. After crash pic and video here;
Note: Their server must be a 486 or Pentium 1. It’s real slow on a broadband connection.
Adding 1 article.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332038,00.html
(AP)
“B-2 Bomber Crashes on Guam; Pilots Safe”
Friday, February 22, 2008
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “HAGATNA, Guam — A B-2 stealth bomber crashed at an air base on Guam on Saturday but both pilots ejected safely and were in good condition, the Air Force said.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A board of officers will investigate the accident.”