Hudson Airman Killed In Afghanistan Surveillance Plane Crash

HUDSON, NH — The Pentagon has identified a New Hampshire serviceman as one of two people killed in a surveillance plane crash in Afghanistan. Capt. Ryan Phaneuf, 30, of Hudson, and Lt. Col. Paul Voss, 46, of Yigo, Guam, died when their Bombardier E-11A electronic surveillance plane went down Monday. The Department of Defense released their identities Wednesday.

Phaneuf was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

"This is a tragic loss to the Air Force and our Ellsworth Family," said Col. David A. Doss, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the member’s family, friends and co-workers as we all come to terms with this tragedy. Every uniformed and civilian Airman assigned to Ellsworth is a valuable member of our team and this Airman will be greatly missed by all. Please respect the family’s privacy as we concentrate on caring for them and our team during this difficult time."

Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, but they have said there is no reason to believe it was caused by hostile action.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the state and nation owed the Phaneuf family a tremendous debt.

"My heart is heavy to learn of the tragic loss of Captain Ryan Phaneuf in the line of duty," said Shaheen. "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."

Gov. Chris Sununu, R-NH, called Phaneuf a "great hero" who will be mourned by everyone in New Hampshire and America.

"My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family of Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf of Hudson," he said. "Capt. Phaneuf made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to live freely."

Phaneuf was a B-1 pilot who won numerous awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service, Air Force Special Duty Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle), and Air Force Training Ribbon.

Nashua NH Patch will update this post when more information becomes available.