Rescue Efforts Conclude for Elmendorf F-22 Pilot

 JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - During a press conference this evening, officials at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson announced that search and rescue operations for a missing F-22 pilot have been called off.

Search and recue teams were able to evaluate the wreckage of the aircraft, found yesterday about 100 miles north of Anchorage, and determined that the ejection seat was not deployed prior to the crash. “Based on evidence recovered from the crash site, and after two days of extensive aerial and ground search efforts, we know that Captain Haney did not eject from the aircraft prior to impact,” said Col. Jack McMullen, commander of the 3rd Wing of the 525th Fighter Squadron from where the pilot was assigned since June of 2006.

The pilot, Captain Jeffrey Haney from Clarklake, Michigan, was commissioned to the U.S. Air Force in August 2003.

Capt. Haney was engaged in training operations during the evening of November 17. During the return flight to base, his aircraft lost contact with air traffic control without report of problems. Search and rescue teams were dispatched immediately, and the wreckage of the aircraft was found during the day of November 18. Crews continued to search for the pilot until the aircraft's ejection seat was found along with life support items worn by the pilot during flight. It was determined at that time Capt. Haney did not survive the crash.

“Right now, our focus is on Jeff’s family,” McMullen said. “We mourn their loss, and they are in our thoughts and prayers. We are doing everything in our power to offer them support and aid them during this time of grief.”