Four Hurlburt Field Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti

News > Four Hurlburt Field Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti

Four Hurlburt Field Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti

Posted 2/20/2012

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2/20/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Capt Ryan P. Hall from the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Capt Nicholas S. Whitlock and 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens from the 34th Special Operations Squadron and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten from the 25th Intelligence Squadron died Feb. 18 when their U-28A was involved in an accident near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa. No other personnel were on board the aircraft.

The U-28 was returning from a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Captain Hall, 30, was a U-28A pilot on his seventh deployment. He entered the Air Force in 2004, receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corp at The Citadel. He had been assigned to the 319th SOS at Hurlburt Field since 2007 and had more than 1,300 combat flight hours.

Captain Whitlock, 29, was also a U-28A pilot and was on his fifth deployment. He entered the Air Force in 2006, receiving his commission through the Officer Training School. He had been assigned to the 319th SOS and then to the 34th SOS at Hurlburt Field since 2008 and had more than 800 combat flight hours.

Lieutenant Wilkens, 26, was a combat systems officer on his third deployment. He entered the Air Force in 2009, receiving his commission through the Air Force Academy. He had been assigned to the 34th SOS at Hurlburt Field since April 2011 and had more than 400 combat hours.

Airman Scholten, 26, was a mission systems operator assigned to the 25th IS at Hurlburt Field since 2009. He enlisted in the Air Force in 2007. He had more than 600 combat hours in six different airframes and was on his third deployment.

"The Hurlburt Field community expresses our deepest condolences to the family of the crew, and we share in their sorrow. Our efforts are focused on helping them through this difficult time," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. "We will never forget the valuable contributions these brave men made to their country and community."

The U-28A is a single engine, manned fixed wing aircraft developed around the Pilatus PC-12 airframe that provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in support of special operations forces.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. The Air Force is committed to a thorough investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

(Courtesy 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs)

Comments

2/24/2012 12:40:40 AM ET
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the deceased's families. I knew SrA Scholten personally he will be missed.

TSgt TS, RAFL

2/22/2012 5:38:13 PM ET
May they rest in peace.

Major Tom Mouhelis USAF Ret., Wheaton IL

2/21/2012 10:05:45 PM ET
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of these courageous Airmen.

TSgt Chamblee Charlene, Hickam AFB HI

2/21/2012 8:44:11 PM ET
RIP Air Commandos thank you for your sacrifice. You and your families are in our prayers.As an aside why is this not listed as a top story Instead we are highlighting five storiesJ3A6 on the CSAF and CMSAF. That is embarrassing for a site that should highlight all Airmen. We had to find this under the other headlines section...sad

Maj C, IDE

2/21/2012 4:18:29 PM ET
God clasp these young men to your bosom and bless them. They served their country and did their duty. We all are incredibly fortunate to have such sterling people in our midst. Prayers and healing for the families and friends.

Air Force Dad, OHIO

2/21/2012 3:05:13 PM ET
Here's a toast...

Maj Ian Fairchild, N-NC

2/21/2012 2:52:02 PM ET
May you rest in peace. Our prayers go out to you and your families in this time of hardship. God bless you guys.

SrA Main, Hickam

2/21/2012 2:37:24 PM ET
The loss of any Airman is a loss we could do without. May the souls of these brave men rest in peace. May their families have the strength to carry on without them.

TSgt Cross, Hanscom AFB MA

2/21/2012 12:26:43 PM ET
God bless this young American heroes and God bless their families. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We'll take it from here.

Maj, SWA

2/21/2012 12:22:14 PM ET
I salute you Captain Ryan Hall. I played ball with your Dad many years ago. You are a national hero, Captain. Thank you for your service dedication and love for our nation. Rest In Peace.

Ed Cole, Texas

2/21/2012 11:51:27 AM ET
RIP Justin. It was an honor knowing you and being your friend. You brought so much happiness to this world and you were taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and loved ones of these great Airmen.

1st Lt Henney, Scott AFB IL

2/21/2012 11:00:22 AM ET
Our prayers go out to their family, friends, unit, wing and US Air Force, may they all be comforted during this difficult time. May Captain Hall, Captain Whitlock, First Lieutenant Wilkens and Senior Airman Scholten all Rest in Peace.

CMSgt Wheeler - Retired, Huntsville AL

2/21/2012 10:44:03 AM ET
My heart goes out to the families of these men. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Teresa, Cannon

2/21/2012 9:50:43 AM ET
Sincere thanks for your valuable service to our country. Prayers for healing and comfort to your families and fellow Airmen. God bless you all.

Tell The Truth, U.S.

2/21/2012 9:31:45 AM ET
Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of earthAnd danced the skies on laughter-silvered wingsSunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirthOf sun-split clouds --and done a hundred thingsYou have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring thereI've chased the shouting wind along and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air...Up up the long delirious burning blueI've topped the wind-swept heights with easy graceWhere never lark or even eagle flew --And while with silent lifting mind I've trodThe high untrespassed sanctity of spacePut out my hand and touched the face of God. - John Gillespie Magee JrGodspeed to the pearly gates Brothers. You're duty is complete.

TSgt Warshaw, Ft. Meade MD

2/21/2012 7:27:52 AM ET
RIP brothers. Condolences to their families during this difficult time.

SSgt Bierman, Kunsan AB

2/20/2012 9:41:01 PM ET
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the Airmen lost in this incident.

Claudia Street, Elk Creek CA

2/20/2012 8:43:59 PM ET
RIP from J6.

BS, FBNC

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