ROK Recovery Team, U.S. DPAA search for downed aircraft wreckage underwater

Aug 03, 2026, 10:09 am

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/ Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification

The Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) announced on the 3rd that it has formed a joint investigation team to conduct an underwater search for the wreckage of U.S. military fighter and transport aircraft that crashed during the Korean War.

MAKRI said the search will take place in Gangneung and Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, from that day through the 25th. The investigation team, made up of about 40 people, includes MAKRI, the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), the Navy's 1st Fleet, and the Air Force's 18th Fighter Wing.

DPAA is also deploying an underwater operations planner, an underwater archaeologist, and about 10 specialized U.S. Navy divers and technicians for the underwater search.

The search will first take place off the coast of Yangyang County from the 5th to the 11th, then move to Gangneung from the 12th to the 25th. Following a mission briefing and working-level discussion at MAKRI on the first day, the underwater search in the Yangyang area will be supported by the Navy's 1st Fleet, including harbor defense boats.

In Gangneung, the search will continue using DPAA's Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft (CRRC). Given that the site of a past U.S. transport aircraft crash is near the runway of the Air Force's 18th Fighter Wing, the unit will support smooth operations, including by providing docking facilities for the reconnaissance craft.

The search is divided into two operational phases. In the first phase, the target waters will be surveyed using underwater detection equipment and unmanned maritime systems. In the second phase, if non-natural objects or wreckage are identified, divers and remote detection equipment will be deployed to verify and document them. The joint investigation team will receive weather information support from the Navy's 1st Fleet and the Korea Coast Guard to determine mission feasibility and ensure safety.

DPAA diver Sgt. 1st Class David Craig said, "When I visited Korea in April, we conducted a preliminary survey of the target underwater search area and completed all necessary preparations in coordination with relevant Korean agencies," adding, "Through this underwater search, we will be sure to find the wreckage of the fighter and transport aircraft."

Jeon Byung-hee, head of MAKRI, said, "We hope this search will further strengthen Korea-U.S. cooperation on the recovery of remains," adding, "As this is a project prepared over a long period, we hope it yields good results."

Lee Han-sol

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