Eglin Air Force Base pilot involved in a Feb. 20 crash of two F-15 Eagles over the Gulf of Mexico has died. The other Eglin AFB F-15 pilot is listed in good condition at the base hospital. At approximately 5 p.m., Coast Guard crews located and rescued the 58th Fighter Squadron pilots after they were reported missing over the Gulf of Mexico at approximately 2 p.m.

Two Air Force F-15C Eagles were reported missing Feb. 20 at approximately 2 p.m. CST in the Gulf of Mexico. The two aircraft were assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing. At the time of the accident, they were on a training sortie.

The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., supported the rescue efforts. Crews from the 1st SOW diverted an AC-130H Gunship and CV-22 Osprey from local training sorties to the site to assist with search and rescue efforts.

“The 33rd Fighter Wing and Team Eglin have suffered a great loss today and my heart goes out to the family and friends of our fallen Airman,” said Col. Todd Harmer, the 33rd FW commander. “We will continue to do everything we can to assist our families and Airmen at this tragic time.”