News stories about Major Young
F-15 pilot had less than 2 seconds to react before crash
09:13 AM PDT on Thursday, June 28, 2007
Investigators believe the F-15 pilot who crashed off the Oregon Coast was flying so low he would have had less than two seconds to react to any problem that may have led to the crash.
kgw.com photo
Maj. Gregory Young as shown in a photo from the Oregon National Guard.
KGW has learned that during the dog fight simulation, Maj. Gregory D. Young was near the bottom of the altitude limits for the drill — 1,000 feet — when he crashed without warning.
Flying at about 500 miles per hour, he apparently did not have time to eject.
During a somber news conference, National Guard officials Wednesday described Young as a caring and talented pilot and father who risked his life to defend the freedom Americans enjoy.
The Coast Guard found Young’s body Tuesday.
MORE: Crash details, body found
Young, 34, lived in St. Helens, Ore.
His superiors said he was a brave man who loved his job and was one of the best fighter jet pilots in America.
VIDEO: Loss of gifted pilot
“On behalf of the 142nd Fighter Wing. the Portland Air Base, and the Oregon Air National Guard, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of our fallen Airman. He was a very talented young man with many years of dedicated service to the protection of the freedoms we enjoy today,” Col. Steven D. Gregg, Commanding Officer of the 142nd Fighter Wing said Wednesday. “He will be deeply missed by our entire Air National Guard family.”
Even for the best pilots in the world, the job is always a dangerous one, Brigadier General Dan O’Hollaren emphasized during the news conference. He said flying a combat fighter aircraft requires operating on a “razor’s edge.”
“You and I go about our daily lives because airmen like Major Young are present on the front lines and are vigilant,” O’Hollaren added.
MORE: Brigadier General: America is free thanks to pilots like Young
A memorial service will be planned for Young, who was married with children, but no date has been set.
“He was a great person… he had a great demeanor… he had a wonderful sense of humor…” said Air Guard spokeswoman Maj. Misti Mazzia, fighting back tears.
An Air Guard spokesperson said the pilots are equipped with survival gear, including flairs and a floatation device.
The water temperature at the time of the crash was 58 degrees.
DETAILS: More about the dogfight simulation
Video: Press conference on search
Many Air Guard pilots are also commercial pilots and generally have more hours in the air than active military pilots, Mazzia said.
In July 2004, The two San Diego-based Marine reservists were killed when their FA/18 Hornet collided with another jet over the Columbia River during a routine training exercise.
More: History of 142nd Fighter Wing
Dog Fight Training Video
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.