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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The Department of Defense announced late Thursday the death of one of its fighter pilots supporting the mission in Afghanistan.

Air Force Capt. Francis D. Imlay, 31, of Vacaville, Calif., died Wednesday when his F-15E Strike Eagle crashed near a base in Southwest Asia. The location was not disclosed for security reasons.

A second crew member suffered minor injuries, though his name was not released.

Imlay was assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

The aircraft crashed at 8:06 p.m. local time approximately 15 miles from the base.

Strike Eagles are dual-role fighters that perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Imlay and his wife were assigned to Mountain Home in October 2010, and were raising two children, ages 2 and 4, according to a report in the Idaho Statesman.

The crash is under investigation.

From staff reports

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