The Oregonian February 20, 2012

Killed in Africa: USAF 1LT Justin Wilkens of Bend

By Mike Francis

An Air Force lieutenant from Bend was among four airmen killed Saturday when their U-28 aircraft crashed near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, the Defense Department announced Monday. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

First Lt. Justin J. Wilkens, 26, was assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. He died along with Capt. Ryan P. Hall, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 29, of Newnan, Ga. and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten, 26, of Upper Marlboro, Md.

Africom said Sunday the plane was on a routine flight when it crashed. The U-28 is used to provide support for special operations forces, according to Globalsecurity.org.