Check Six: 1995 Civilian Aircraft Rescue

Posted on Mar 18, 2025 in 1990's, Check Six
EAGLES TO THE RESCUE–Lt. Col Kimo Kelly and Maj. Wayne Wakeman, F-15 pilots stand at the Hawaii Air National Guard alert pad. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Wayne Pontes
(Picture from the 1995 December Pūpūkahi)

30 years ago in March 1995, pilots from the 199th Fighter Squadron assisted in rescuing three civilians whose twin-engine plane was about to ditch in the ocean 120 miles north of Maui. Lt. Col. Kimo Kelly and Maj. Wayne Wakeman were scrambled at night to locate the distressed aircraft. They marked its location and guided a Coast Guard C-130 to the site, where the crew was later rescued by a merchant vessel. Their actions led to their nomination for air medals due to their exceptional leadership and airmanship during the nighttime search and rescue mission 250 nautical miles east of Oahu.

Learn more about the 1995 Civilian Aircraft Rescue