Pilot killed in Middle East crash identified
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — A Shaw Air Force Base pilot was killed in a crash in the Middle East, U.S. Defense Department officials confirmed Tuesday.
Capt. William H. Dubois, 30, of New Castle, Colo., died Monday when his F-16 crashed near a coalition air base. He was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw.
The jet was tasked to bomb targets in support of operation Inherent Resolve, the campaign against the Islamic State group, according to U.S. Central Command. CENTCOM would not say if the jet was headed to Iraq or Syria.
While the jet was on a combat mission, the crash was not a combat-related incident. The pilot encountered a problem shortly after takeoff and was returning to base when aircraft went down about 11 p.m.
The command did not say where the base was located.
The crash happened as U.S. and coalition aircraft continue to attack Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq. Between Nov. 26 and Nov. 28, coalition aircraft carried out 15 airstrikes, including taking out a a tactical unit, fighting positions and multiple vehicles.
In October, Shaw leaders announced that members of the base were headed to the region to fight ISIL.
Col. Stephen Jost, commander of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw, released this statement about the loss of Dubois:
"Losing Captain Dubois is sad and tragic. Our most sincere condolences are with his family, his friends, and Squadron members during this difficult time. Captain Dubois was a patriot: Was willing to put his life on the line every day in service to his nation. He was a valued Airman, Pilot, and Friend of those he touched here at Shaw Air Force Base. He will be greatly missed."