B-2 stealth bomber crashes on Guam (UPDATED)

Posted on: Feb. 23rd, 2008 || Source: pacaf.af.mil | E-mail Article | Print Article

B-2 stealth bomber crashes on Guam (UPDATED)

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- An Air Force B-2 bomber crashed shortly after take -off on Andersen AFB, Guam at approximately 10:30 a.m. local Guam time.

Two pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing were on board and they ejected prior to the crash. One has been medically evaluated and released, and the other is in stable condition at the Guam Naval Hospital. There were no injuries to personnel on ground, or damage to buildings.

The B-2 was one of four deployed to Andersen AFB from Whiteman AFB, MO as part of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence in the Western Pacific.

The B-2s were returning to Whiteman AFB after completing their rotational bomber deployment. Six B-52s from the 96th Bomb Wing in Barksdale AFB, Louisiana recently arrived to take over for the B-2s. No munitions were on board at the time of the accident.

These bomber rotations fulfill U.S. regional security obligations and demonstrate U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific area.

The B-2 is a multi-role bomber that blends low-observable technologies or stealth with a highly efficient aerodynamic design. It is capable of delivering large payloads at great range and has been employed in combat operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

This is the first crash of a B-2. A board of officers will fully investigate the accident.

FILE PHOTO - A B-2 Spirit bomber arrives at Guam [Oct. 2007]
Source: US Air Force

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