The Nation - News from Jan. 17, 1989

The body of a U.S. pilot killed in the April, 1986, bombing of Libya was returned to American soil in a solemn ceremony attended by relatives. The body of Air Force Maj. Fernando L. Ribas-Dominicci of Utuado, Puerto Rico, was flown from Torrejon Air Base in Spain to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. An honor guard carried the flag-draped military coffin off the gray and white C-141 airplane. The body will receive final preparations at the base mortuary before being turned over to the family for burial. Greeting the airplane were several members of Ribas-Dominicci’s family, including his wife and son. Libya said it released the remains as a “humanitarian initiative.” But Salvador Ribas-Dominicci said he is “angry” with Libyan leader Col. Moammar Kadafi for the delay in the release of his brother’s body.