2/20/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Capt
Ryan P. Hall from the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Capt Nicholas
S. Whitlock and 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens from the 34th Special
Operations Squadron and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten from the 25th
Intelligence Squadron died Feb. 18 when their U-28A was involved in an
accident near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa.
No other personnel were on board the aircraft.

The U-28 was returning from a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Captain Hall, 30, was a U-28A pilot on his seventh deployment. He
entered the Air Force in 2004, receiving his commission through the
Reserve Officer Training Corp at The Citadel. He had been assigned to
the 319th SOS at Hurlburt Field since 2007 and had more than 1,300
combat flight hours.

Captain Whitlock, 29, was also a U-28A pilot and was on his fifth
deployment. He entered the Air Force in 2006, receiving his commission
through the Officer Training School. He had been assigned to the 319th
SOS and then to the 34th SOS at Hurlburt Field since 2008 and had more
than 800 combat flight hours.

Lieutenant Wilkens, 26, was a combat systems officer on his third
deployment. He entered the Air Force in 2009, receiving his commission
through the Air Force Academy. He had been assigned to the 34th SOS at
Hurlburt Field since April 2011 and had more than 400 combat hours.

Airman Scholten, 26, was a mission systems operator assigned to the 25th
IS at Hurlburt Field since 2009. He enlisted in the Air Force in 2007.
He had more than 600 combat hours in six different airframes and was on
his third deployment.

"The Hurlburt Field community expresses our deepest condolences to the
family of the crew, and we share in their sorrow. Our efforts are
focused on helping them through this difficult time," said Col. Jim
Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. "We will never
forget the valuable contributions these brave men made to their country
and community."

The U-28A is a single engine, manned fixed wing aircraft developed
around the Pilatus PC-12 airframe that provides intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in support of special
operations forces.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. The Air Force is
committed to a thorough investigation, and more information will be
released as it becomes available.

(Courtesy 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs)

video from WMBB


This is a U-28A in flight at an angle that emphasizes its distinctive lines and high aspect ratio wing. U.S. Air Force photo.