7/23/2008 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- Air Force officials here determined July 23 that none of the six crewmembers survived the B-52 Stratofortress crash July 21 off Guam's northwest coast.
Search and rescue teams have now shifted their focus from rescue operations to recovery of the aircrew.
The joint civilian and military rescue teams recovered the bodies of two aircrew members July 21, one of whom has been identified as Maj. Christopher Cooper. The identity of the second crewmember is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Air Force forensic analysis specialists also are working toward identifying additional remains recovered.
The aircrew was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and was deployed here with the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron as part of the Defense Department's continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific.
"Losing this bomber crew has been a tragedy felt by everyone here and across the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, the 36th Wing commander. "Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the families of these Airmen as we continue to support them during this difficult time."
The scope of the search has been a massive cooperative effort with the Coast Guard, Navy, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Guam Fire and Rescue and Police Department covering a 7,000-square mile area, General Owens said.
"I extend our sincerest gratitude to the men and women involved with this effort," the general said. "We are truly grateful for the passion and professionalism they continue to put into the recovery operations."
The aircraft was reported missing at approximately 10 a.m. July 21. The bomber was flying a training mission and was scheduled to perform a flyover for Guam's Liberation Day parade in Hagatna.
A board of officers is investigating the accident.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123107773
