A USAF F-15 Strike Eagle Fighter went down overnight in Libya. The aircraft is a total loss, yet in a twist of fortunate events, the crash occurred in rebel occupied Libya, where they’re appreciative of the international alliance that has been formed against Muammar Gadhafi. Both the pilot and navigator were able to eject before the F-15 went down. The crash has been attributed to an equipment malfunction.
The pilot was quickly located and rescued by U.S. Marine ground forces that flew into the zone via V-22 Osprey, while the second crew member was located by rebel forces, before being handed over to American troops. The F-15 crew sustained minor injuries, but have been reported as safe and in American hands.
This somewhat spoils the notion that there will be “no boots on the ground” during the Libyan conflict. Anyone who knows anything about any conflict, understands that such a statement is completely implausible. However, it’s understood that allied forces in the fight against Gadhafi’s regime are not interested in occupying Libya. Get in, and get out–no setting up shop.
I’m sure if President Reagan were still around, he’d suggest that we should have spanked Gadhafi back in the 80s. One of the biggest concerns about assisting the Libyan people in attempting to oust a dictator: This dictator has, in the past, sponsored more than a few terrorist acts–international cheap shots, if you will.
It seems through the video that the locals are pretty impressed with the downed aircraft. Cell phone pictures and video have clearly become a universality.
