WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- The Department of Defense says four airmen died February 18 when a U-28 aircraft was involved in an accident near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa. One of them was a man from Maryland.
Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten of Upper Marlboro, Md. was 26 years old. He was assigned to the 25th Intelligence Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Also killed were:
- Capt. Ryan P. Hall, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colo. He was assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
- Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 29, of Newnan, Ga. He was assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
- 1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens, 26, of Bend, Ore. He was assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
The U.S. military says the reconnaissance plane crashed 6 miles from the only U.S. base in Africa at about 8 p.m. Saturday. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III released the following statement:
"Senior Airman Scholten's selfless service and ultimate sacrifice to the country will not be forgotten by Prince George's County. He, like all of our active, reserve, and veteran service members, is a reflection of the best of our citizenry.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Senior Airman Scholten during this very difficult time. I ask that all County residents take a moment of remembrance and thank him, his family, his fallen colleagues and their families, and all of our service members who are forever vigilant in the protection of our freedoms."
Baker's office said that Senior Airman Scholten is the first Prince George's County resident killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The last county resident killed in combat action was Army Staff Sergeant Robin L. Towns in Iraq in 2007.