US jet crashes in Germany: Does this affect relations with the country?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:45:13 -0400

What affect on US military policy in foreign countries does us having training accidents or crashes have in those locations?

Specifically, a crash in Germany with no people injured (other than maybe the ejecting pilot). Will this still cause political issues for a US military presence and bases in Germany?

http://www.ibtimes.com/us-military-jet-crashes-southern-germany-2047924

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 11 at 2015 3:50 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:50:00 -0400

It shouldn't. It was an accident after all

Response by TSgt David L. made Aug 11 at 2015 3:54 PM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:54:22 -0400

We've been dumping F-16s all over Germany for 30+ years. Nothing new there...

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 11 at 2015 3:55 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:55:03 -0400

No it does not. It's just the nature of the beast and during the 7 years I was in Germany, the German government was a partner in assisting with aircraft accidents as were we when the situations were reversed.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 3:57 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:57:13 -0400

I highly doubt this would cause negative relations. Most likely it will have either no effect or a positive one. People(s) are able to bond and "come together" when working in the aftermath of an accident or tragedy.

I just doubt there will be any real national relations repercussions from this incident.

Response by MSgt Darum Danford made Aug 11 at 2015 3:57 PM

MSgt Darum Danford — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:57:43 -0400

I don't think that it does. The USG will be looking at some property damage claims but I don't think it strains the political relationship.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 11 at 2015 4:01 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:01:23 -0400

This is not the first aircraft to crash at an international air show.... there is a memorial outside Ramstein Air Base for a crash that killed spectators in addition to air crew.... Canadian Snow Birds crashed in MT a number of years ago.... there are many others, some with "good reasons", some with less acceptable reasons (like the Russian that crashed and it was discovered he had something like 10 hours per year fly time....). Investigation will be done, blame will be placed, people and governments will move on.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 11 at 2015 4:39 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:39:24 -0400

As an active duty CSM here at Graf, I do not think this will cause problems at the national level and we've developed some very strong relationships at the local level here at Graf. We had the privilege to be one of the first units called to respond and our Soldiers handled the mission in an exemplary manner while we awaited the crash investigation teams arrival....this really shows the importance of developing a relationship with the communities surrounding your base! I foresee no drastic impact of this accident.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 5:05 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:05:26 -0400

In 2010 I was on a survey team assisting mortuary affairs with a blackhawk crash in Mannheim. It's an unfortunate part of having our military in europe. It will not affect our relationship with Germany.

Response by Lt Col Richard Haines made Aug 11 at 2015 10:19 PM

Lt Col Richard Haines — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 22:19:46 -0400

Yes it does. A crash in 89/90, an A-10 I think, changed the way we were "allowed" to train for ever. No more "low-level" if I remember correctly. Right before Desert Storm too.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 12 at 2015 9:00 PM

TSgt Melissa Post — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 21:00:42 -0400

I would hope not. Afterall from the article I read, he wasn't carrying live munitions they were trainers, and he jettisoned his fuel tanks over an unpopulated area. He made a conscious effort to make the minimal amount of damage possible. Accidents happen.