Elmendorf-Richardson F-22 Reported Missing

A Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing of Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson has been reported missing.

Previous reports listed the aircraft as "overdue" when the aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers at 7:40 p.m. Alaska time Tuesday night.  A search for the aircraft commenced shortly thereafter.

In the news release, Col. Jack McMullen, 3rd Wing Commander, says, “Right now, our top priority is to try to bring the pilot home safely.  We will continue to search until we find our pilot. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this missing Airman."

HH60 helicopters and an HC-130 aircraft have been deployed over an area northeast of Cantwell, Alaska.  This is the last-known location of the aircraft.

The aircraft was engaged in a nighttime training mission before contact was lost.  The identity of the pilot is being withheld until further information on his condition is known.