[Heisenburger]

B-1 uses nap-of-the-earth flight. Perhaps they got to close to the waves.

[Walkin Man]

B-1 uses nap-of-the-earth flight. Perhaps they got to close to the waves.

Could be but I believe the General said they were refueling or a Tanker AC was in the area at the time so it could be a air to air refueling accident. Will have to wait for more details.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Perhaps they got to close to the waves.

No, those pilots are so good at what they do, NOE is like a walk in the park for them. They wouldn't "hit" a wave. The biggest danger of NOE is engine failure etc. Then it wouldn't have been from pilot error, but mechanical. Not much time to correct a problem.

But actually, who knows right now? All I know is that American servicemen/women have crashed.

Prayers that somehow they survived it.

[TankerKC]

B-1 uses nap-of-the-earth flight. ...but, not when returning to base.

[El Gato]

B-1 uses nap-of-the-earth flight. Perhaps they got to close to the waves.

Only when avoiding enemy defenses, and then mostly missle defenses. I doubt they used the terrain following at all against the Taliwackers. They certainly wouldn't be using it over the ocean, unless approaching a hostile coast. You burn alot more fuel at low altitude. In this case they were only 30 miles or so out from Diego Garcia, don't yet know if coming or going.