American fighter found in Sorong

SORONG, Irian Jaya: An army non-commissioned officer found the remains of a United States Air Force World War II Mustang fighter last week, Antara reported.

The airplane, found by infantry Sergeant Alberth S., was submerged in 40 meters under the sea, according to local military district commander Let. Col. CZI Sukmono Thursday.

Sorong regency was a major battleground between the Japanese and the Allies, led by Gen. MacArthur, during World War II.

Sukmono said the Mustang was intact. A team of five divers from a local diving club assisted him to find the airplane.

The aircraft was equipped with two heavy machine guns filled with 150 bullets. It is currently in the military district commander's headquarters.

Residents and divers have found hundreds of World War II shipwrecks and airplanes in the Sorong regency and its coastal waters.

Fisherman have been reluctant to disturb such areas since there are many highly valued fish in the rich marine life. (01)