US Air Force,
WASHINGTON: The Department of Defense identified June 16 the Airman who was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg was the pilot of the F-16 Fighting Falcon who crashed about 50 miles north of Baghdad shortly after takeoff June 14.
Major Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Fighter Squadron of Toledo, Ohio, had just taken off on a combat mission to provide air support to ground forces fighting anti-Iraq forces. He was deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq.
As soon as the aircraft was reported missing, a joint effort by coalition air and ground forces responded to secure the crash site. Recovery efforts began soon after with the arrival of HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron.
Air Force F-16s have continuously supported coalition forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom since 2003 and Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch since the 1990s.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Major Sonnenberg family and friends in this difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, commander of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
