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An F-16 Fighting Falcon, similar to this one, was reported missing in the Gulf of Mexico south of Panama City, Fla., on Thursday
The Coast Guard and Air Force are searching the Gulf of Mexico off Panama City, Fla., for an F-16 Falcon fighter jet that officials believed crashed Thursday morning. The jet was assigned to the 53rd Weapons Evaluations Group, at Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, the Air Force said.

The Air Force lost contact with the pilot about 9:15 a.m., according to a press release. Only one person was on board, the Coast Guard said.

"The rescue of our airman is our top priority," said Col. Mark O'Laughlin, vice commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall.

The Coast Guard sent boats and aircraft to search an area 57 miles south of Panama City, according to a news release. The Gulf of Mexico contains large swaths of airspace, or ranges, that the military uses for aerial combat training.