Guam – The U.S. Air Force is releasing more information on the F-16 fighter jet that made an emergency landing in Saipan during last month's Cope North exercise. The aircraft slid off the end of the runway upon landing, then coming to a rest about 380 feet into the grass. The military immediately deployed a team comprised of units temporarily assigned to Andersen Air Force base to investigate. The runway was temporarily closed, while local airport personnel provided intermittent supplies, fuel and support to assist in relief efforts. The military calls the landing unexpected, but that it served as a teaching tool and afforded Airmen the opportunity to improve rapid deploy ability practices as well as strengthen ties with members of the Saipan community.

36th Wing commander Col. Donald Drechsler states, "Due to the valiant effort put forth by Team Andersen Airmen and Saipan personnel, we were able to quickly and safely reopen the main runway and repair the aircraft. The incident had a very positive outcome and allowed us to fly the F-16 back to Andersen in just a few days."

The F-16 conducted flights to Andersen and Hawaii without incident.