Hudson airman dies in Afghanistan

HUDSON – Pentagon officials announced Wednesday that Air Force Capt. Ryan Phaneuf, 30, of Hudson, was killed in a plane crash Monday in Afghanistan.

Phaneuf was on board a Bombardier E-11A electronic surveillance plane in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, when the aircraft went down. Also killed in the crash was Lt. Col. Paul Voss, 46, of Yigo, Guam.

“My heart is heavy to learn of the tragic loss of Capt. Ryan Phaneuf in the line of duty,” said U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. “My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ryan’s family, friends and fellow airmen during this tremendously painful time. Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, and I join a grateful nation and all Granite Staters in honoring the life and service of this brave, young American. We owe Ryan and his family a tremendous debt.”

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., echoed Shaheen’s sentiments, highlighting the 2007 Alvirne High School graduate’s bravery and service to the nation.

“I am devastated to hear of the passing of Air Force Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf, who died while bravely serving our country, and my prayers are with his family and loved ones at this tragic time,” Hassan said. “His death is a somber reminder of all the men and women in uniform currently in harm’s way in Afghanistan and around the world, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe, secure and free. I am profoundly grateful for the service of Captain Phaneuf, may he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., also expressed her sympathies.

“We are forever indebted to those who answer the call of duty. My heart is with Captain Phaneuf’s loved ones, as well as the family of his fellow airman, Lt. Col. Voss of Guam,” she said.

The cause of the crash is under investigation; however, officials said there is no indication the plane was downed by hostile fire.

“I’m pretty confident there was no enemy action involved. Aircraft mishaps happen,” Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, told reporters Wednesday at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

The remains of the two airmen were recovered from the crash site Tuesday. McKenzie said that as far as he knows, the recovery team did not meet any resistance going to the site.

“The main resistance was from the weather, which was really significant back there,” McKenzie added, noting “appropriate precautions” were taken in moving the recovery team to the site “because the last thing you want to do is have another mishap or have other people lose their lives in attempt to get up there.”

Phaneuf, who entered the Air Force after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2012, was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

“Capt. Phaneuf made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to live freely. All of New Hampshire, and America, mourns the loss of this great hero,” Gov. Chris Sununu said.

Voss was assigned to Air Combat Command headquarters at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia.

“I didn’t know him or his family personally, unfortunately, but I am very sorry to hear that this happened,” New Hampshire Rep. Tony Lekas, R-Hudson, added. “I would like to offer my condolences to the family for their loss and (a thank-you to Ryan) for doing what this country has asked of him and taking the risks that he did.”

Alvirne High School’s Facebook page on Wednesday stated: “Alvirne faculty and staff would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Capt. Ryan Phaneuf who passed away on Monday, 1/27 when his plane went down in Afghanistan.”

The Associated Press and City Editor Casey Junkins contributed to this report.