[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 2000)]
[Page 206]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.