[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.