Air Force says Nellis pilot OK after mid-air collision

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Air Force has identified two fighter pilots involved in a mid-air collision during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base.

Maj. Jason Costello, an F-15 pilot, and Maj. Brett Paola, an F-16 pilot, have been released from the base clinic and were “doing well” following Monday’s crash, according to Airman Justin Weaver, a base spokesman. Neither pilot sustained any injuries, Weaver said.

Paola is assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base and Costello is assigned to Langley Air Force Base, Va.

The pilots were engaged in a simulated combat mission during Red Flag-Alaska.

The two-week training exercise includes more than 1,400 military members and about 80 aircraft from the United States, Singapore and Australia.