3 special operations airmen killed in plane crash while training in New Mexico

Tragic to say the least. AIr Force lost three very valuable personnel.My thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and their teammates. Slow hand salute. This happened not very far from my house in Clovis.

Three airmen assigned to the 318th Special Operations Squadron were killed after their U-28A crashed during a training sortie, officials announced Wednesday morning.

The incident happened at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday about a quarter mile east of Clovis Municipal Airport in New Mexico.

"We are deeply saddened by this loss within our Air Commando family," said Col. Ben Maitre, commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, in a statement. "Our sympathies are with the loved ones and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time."

The names of the airmen have not been released, pending notification of their families.