An F-16 fighter jet from the U.S. Air Force crashed in South Korea on Monday during a standard training mission, following an “in-flight emergency,” as reported by the U.S. Air Force’s stationed unit in South Korea.
The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and was subsequently rescued from the Yellow Sea by the South Korean coast guard, before being brought back to Kunsan Air Base, as stated by the 8th Fighter Wing.
An investigation into the cause of the emergency is currently underway. Colonel Matthew Gaetke, the commander of the unit, expressed his relief and gratitude for the safe recovery of the pilot, who is reported to be in good health.
Kunsan Air Base, located in the city of Gunsan on South Korea’s west coast, is one of two primary air bases operated by the U.S. military in South Korea.
In a similar incident back in May, another U.S. F-16 jet crashed near Seoul during a routine training flight. The pilot in that incident also ejected safely, and there were no additional casualties.
The U.S. plays a crucial role as Seoul’s primary security ally, with approximately 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea. These forces are primarily there to assist in the defense against North Korea, which is a nuclear-armed nation.
