    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 1, 2000]
    [Page 167]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261
    February 1, 2000

        In times of tragedy, the American people pull together as one and
    offer their prayers and solace to those in need. Today our Nation prays
    for the men and women who were aboard Alaska Airlines flight 261 and for
    their families and friends.
        Since last evening, the United States Coast Guard has been on the
    scene engaged in search and rescue operations. The National
    Transportation Safety Board's Go Team arrives this morning, and a joint
    command center is being established at the Port Hueneme Naval Center.
        Underlying all these efforts is a strong and heroic determination to
    save lives and to find out exactly what went wrong, so that lives can be
    saved in the future. Throughout this difficult day and in the days and
    weeks to come, we will keep the passengers and crew of flight 261 in our
    thoughts, and let us hope that God's mercy will shine on them and their
    families.