Officials say a US pilot safely ejected before his F-16 crashed into the sea off South Korea

A U.S. Air Force pilot successfully ejected from his F-16 fighter jet, which subsequently crashed into the waters off South Korea’s southwestern coastline. This incident occurred on Monday and was confirmed by both U.S. and South Korean military authorities.

The pilot’s identity remains undisclosed, but South Korean maritime forces managed to rescue the pilot promptly. According to a statement from the U.S. 8th Fighter Wing, the pilot was conscious and in a stable condition following the rescue operation. He is now en route to Kunsan Air Base, located near the port city of Gunsan in the southwestern region, for further evaluation.

The pilot had taken off from an air base jointly operated by the U.S. and South Korean air forces for a routine training flight. However, due to an unspecified in-flight emergency, he was compelled to eject from the aircraft. The exact cause of this emergency is currently under investigation by the 8th Fighter Wing, which comprises two F-16 squadrons.

Colonel Matthew C. Gaetke, the commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, expressed gratitude for the safe recovery of the Airman by their Republic of Korea (ROK) Allies and the pilot’s overall well-being. The Republic of Korea is South Korea’s official name.

This incident comes shortly after a U.S. Air Force Osprey aircraft tragically crashed during a training mission off the southern coast of Japan on November 29, resulting in the loss of all eight individuals aboard.

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• [U.S. Air Force pilot ejects from F-16 before crash off South Korea](Link to the news article)
• [U.S. 8th Fighter Wing Statement](Link to the official statement)
• [South Korean maritime forces](Link to relevant information on South Korean maritime forces)
• [Republic of Korea (ROK)](Link to information about South Korea’s official name)