An Air Force F-16 assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard crashed today in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana.

The pilot, Major Alexander Drummond, Mission Commander, was able to eject. He is expected to make a full recovery after being taken to the hospital.

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“As a parent, the first thing I wanted to know when I received the news of the crash was, of course – is he OK? I’m relieved to know that Alexander is alive, receiving outstanding medical care and is expected to make a full recovery,” the pilot’s father, Gentner Drummond said.

Maj. Drummond is a part of the 138th Fighter Wing, which is headquartered in Tulsa. The pilot and aircraft were taking part in a routine training mission that departed from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas.

“The Air Force pilot in me wants all the details of exactly what happened, but it’s way too early for that. What I know at this point is that during a training run over Louisiana, Alexander had to ditch his F-16 in an empty Beauregard Parish field, sparing any injuries on the ground,” Gentner added.

The incident is under investigation and additional details will be released by the Air Force.

“God was watching over Alexander today, and I am so thankful for his safety and well-being. Our family looks forward to getting our arms around him as soon as possible,” Gentner said.

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