by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam - Andersen Air Force Base Public Affairs Staff Sergeant Alex Montes confirms an investigation has been launched into an accident involving an aircraft that took place off the waters of Guam.
AAFB Public Affairs is still gathering information. Currently underway at the Air Base is Cope North 2012 and the Aviation Training Relocation (ATR) program . Cope North is a tri-lateral exercise involving the Royal Australian Air Force, the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Force. Cope North is designed to enhance air operations between the three countries. AAFB Public Affairs could not say if the aircraft involved in the crash was taking part in the ongoing exercise which is scheduled to end on Friday. AAFB also could not say whether the aircraft involved in the crash was part of the Aviation Training Relocation (ATR) program, which is designed to increase operational readiness and bilateral interoperability for both the United States and Japanese forces. The air-to-air training involves 23 aircraft from Kadena Air Base and runs through next Monday. AAFB Public Affairs is also still gathering information to determine whether anyone was hurt.
Despite AAFB report, US Coast Guard Petty Officer Jeffrey Ventura confirms an F16 experienced hydraulic malfunction and overshot the runway in Saipan. The military aircraft slid about 100 feet into the grass and no injuries were reported, and no damages to the aircraft. USCG confirms they are not responding to an aircraft crash off the waters of Guam.
