Remembering the Fate of RC-135 Cobra Ball II

On March 16, 1981, a U.S. Air Force RC-135 Cobra Ball II (#61-2664) was lost after returning from a reconnaissance mission off the Soviet Kamchatka peninsula.

The aircraft departed Eielson for Shemya with 24 souls onboard. While attempting to land, aircraft encountered a rapid decline in weather resulted in a crash landing. Six men lost their lives and several Medals were awarded for bravery.