China 2001

April 1st, 2001-A US EP-3 spy plane made an emergency landing on the Chinese Island of Hainan after a mid-air collision with a Chinese fighter jet that presumably killed the fighter jet pilot as his plane was never found after plunging into the sea. (US Navy Photo)

This image of the damaged American surveillance plane sitting on a runway at Lingshui military airfield on Hainan Island was collected in April by a commercial remote imaging satellite. (spaceimaging.com-Reuters File Photo)

All 24 Crew Members were held captive for 11 days at the Chinese Air Base. (CNN Photo)

Finally released, the crew began their journey home aboard a chartered Continental Airlines Jet. (Dept. of Defense Photo)

All's well that ends well!. The above photo is that of crew member Lt. Regina Kauffman. (Dept. of Defense Photo)

The world basically was at peace. Fortunately, the two super powers involved in this crisis remained level headed and poised. Sadly, a life was lost...that being the pilot of the Chinese fighter jet. Let us remember in our prayers this Memorial Day weekend, the repose of the soul of Wang Wei and for the well being of his wife and six year old son.

Wang Wei...may he rest in peace!


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