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MIAMI – The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) today confirmed the identity of a U.S. Airman killed in a plane crash Saturday in Colombia. The U.S.-contracted DH-8 aircraft crashed near the Panamanian border while conducting detection and monitoring operations in support of Operation Martillo, killing three Americans and a Panamanian.
Killed were: Air Force Master Sgt. Martin Gonzales, 39, two American defense contractors and Panamanian National Air-Naval Service (SENAN) Lt. Elroy Nunez. Colombian military forces rescued two U.S. contractors from the crash site and evacuated them to a hospital in Bogota. The two survivors are in stable condition after surgery.
“Our hearts remain with the families of the men who lost their lives in this tragic crash,” said Gen. John Kelly, SOUTHCOM commander. “It is a terrible tragedy, but we remain committed to finding out what happened and hopefully bring some sort of peace to the families.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
For questions about this event or Operation Martillo, contact U.S. Southern Command PA at 305-437-1213. For questions about Master Sgt. Gonzales’ individual service record, contact Maj. Jon Craig, National Guard Bureau Public Affairs at 703-601-6767.
For more information about U.S. Southern Command visit www.southcom.mil.
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2013 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 114944 |
| Location: | MIAMI, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 246 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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