The U.S. Coast Guard announced that it has suspended the search for survivors of the Air Force B-52 bomber that crashed Monday morning off the coast of Guam. Over the last few days the Coast Guard led a massive joint civilian and military search for the crew but are now switching their mission to focus on recovery of the air crew, "It's extremely difficult to suspend this search," said Capt. Thomas Sparks, the senior Coast Guard officer in Guam and the commanding officer of the Coast Guard's Sector Guam.
According to a media release from Andersen Air Force Base, The decision to suspend the search for survivors was made by officials after determining that none of the six crew members survived the B-52 crash, “Losing this bomber crew has been a tragedy felt by everyone here and across the Air Force,” said Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, 36th Wing commander. “Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the families of these Airmen as we continue to support them during this difficult time.” The aircrew was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and was deployed here with the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron as part of the DoD’s continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific.
The Air Force, meanwhile is officially identifying one of the victims as Major Christopher Cooper. However the identity of the second crew member that was pulled from the waters Monday, is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Air Force forensic analysis specialists also are working toward identifying additional remains recovered. “I extend our sincerest gratitude to the men and women involved with this effort,” said Owens. “We are truly grateful for the passion and professionalism they continue to put into the recovery operations.”
A board of officers is investigating the accident.
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