UPDATED: Two Hanscom Airmen Killed in Plane Crash in Afghanistan

UPDATED: Two of the six Airmen who died Thursday when a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, were deployed from Hanscom Air Force Base, according to officials.

The Air Force said the crash was not the result of hostile fire.

Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29; and Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21; were both assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, according to a Defense Department news release. They performed fly-away security team missions, guarding aircraft, cargo, crew and passengers, according to a news release from Hanscom.

Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33; Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28; Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26; and Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, were all assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, according to a Defense Department news release. They were the plane’s crew: two pilots and two loadmasters.

“This is a devastating day for our Air Force and for Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Col. Michael A. Vogel, base commander. “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we grieve with and for the families of these brave Airmen.”

The deceased Airmen from Hanscom were members of the 66th Security Forces Squadron here and were deployed to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan. Members of the 66th SFS routinely deploy to assist with security operations around the globe.

Hanscom AFB has no additional information about the incident itself. Any additional information about the crash will be released, as it becomes available, either by the Pentagon or by the unit in Afghanistan responsible for that area of operations.

Photo: Patch file photo