[STARWISE]

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.

[luvie]

Indeed prayers for our airmen to be safe and sound.

Thanks for this report, Starwise!

[boomop1]

The Statement Of Charges is going to be awesome, if pilot error.

[DugwayDuke]

“Unit cost: Approximately $1.2 billion”

Yes prayers for the aircrew and also pray that they didn’t sign for the damn thing. It’ll take awhile to pay off $1.2B even with flight pay.

[utherdoul]

This is the second airforce incident in as many days. I wonder what’s going on, first the f-15s and now this. Very strange.

[SE Mom]

Thanks for that info- just heard this breaking on CNN and FOX.

Prayers..

[SE Mom]

NEWS UPDATE: Witnesses Say Aircraft On Fire A B-2
Pacific News Center Staff Reporter 23.FEB.08
11:56 a.m. Guam - The military aircraft that was reported on fire at Andersen Air Force Base has been confirmed by witnesses to be a B-2 bomber that appeared to have crashed on the tarmac.

The pilots were able to escape without injury. Andersen Air Force Base Fire Department firefighters are on the scene. There’s still no official word from the Air Force about the incident. The Pacific News Center will have more information as it becomes available. - Pacific News Center - Guam, Saipan, CNMI, Asia-Pacific

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=100&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=20839&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1718&hn=pacificnewscenter&he=.com

[Just mythoughts]

marker to find later updates

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Isn’t that the 2nd one that has crashed since they were in service ?

[Mariner]

I used to live in Yigo. I remember Guam fondly.

[jriemer]

Unit cost: Approximately $1.2 billion

To put it another way:
Each B-2 is more valuable than the entire annual economy of Belize. Serbia would have to dedicate four years economic output to purchase one B-2.