Class of '05 grad killed in F-15 crash

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Two Air Force officers, one an Academy graduate, were killed July 18 in the crash of an F-15E Strike Eagle over eastern Afghanistan. 

The aircraft, assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., was flying in support of coalition operations. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time. 

Killed were Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn., and Capt. Mark R. McDowell, 26, of Charlotte, N.C. Both officers were assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Captain McDowell is a member of the Academy graduating Class of 2005. 

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones ... and to the Airmen and the joint and coalition team members who called them friends and will miss their fellow warriors," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander. 

A team of U.S. and coalition forces immediately responded to the crash site, secured it and recovered the Airmen. The Airmen have been returned to their families through a dignified transfer from Afghanistan to the United States. 

The crash was not due to hostile fire. 

A board of officers will be convened to conduct an investigation of the incident.

(Information compiled from Armed Forces News Service and staff reports.)