NCMEDIC
01-28-2007, 01:27 AM
Search and Rescue Efforts for Navy Aircrew Suspended
Story Number: NNS070127-12
Release Date: 1/27/2007 10:22:00 PM
http://www.news.navy.mil/images/excl_icon2b.gif
From Naval Air Forces Public Affairs
NAS NORTH ISLAND, Calif (NNS) -- Search and rescue (SAR) efforts for the remaining three crewmembers involved in a U.S. Navy MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter crash Jan. 26 off the coast of California was suspended Jan. 27 at approximately 3 p.m.
The cold water temperature and the time that elapsed since the crash occurred led Navy officials to conclude that aircrew survivability is extremely unlikely.
One of the Sailors was recovered Friday and transported by helicopter to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) for medical care, but was pronounced dead.
The “Seahawk” helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, crashed into the Pacific Ocean Jan. 26 at approximately 2:30 p.m. while conducting a routine training mission near San Clemente Island.
The aircraft was operating off Bonhomme Richard when the incident occurred.
The pilot made a “Mayday” call before impacting the ocean, but no other indications of mechanical malfunction or fire were reported by the crew.
The incident occurred within sight of Bonhomme Richard, and SAR efforts began immediately via Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and nearby aircraft. Additional SAR helicopters from USS Chosin (CG 65) and USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93) were deployed to assist, along with a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and the ships USS Milius (DDG 69) and USS Mount Rushmore (LSD 47).
SAR efforts by ship and P-3 “Orion” aircraft continued through the evening the day of the crash, with small boat SAR efforts reconvening the following morning.
The Navy is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Names of the service members are currently being withheld.
For more information about the Navy visit http://www.navy.mil (http://www.navy.mil/).
Story Number: NNS070127-12
Release Date: 1/27/2007 10:22:00 PM
http://www.news.navy.mil/images/excl_icon2b.gif
From Naval Air Forces Public Affairs
NAS NORTH ISLAND, Calif (NNS) -- Search and rescue (SAR) efforts for the remaining three crewmembers involved in a U.S. Navy MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter crash Jan. 26 off the coast of California was suspended Jan. 27 at approximately 3 p.m.
The cold water temperature and the time that elapsed since the crash occurred led Navy officials to conclude that aircrew survivability is extremely unlikely.
One of the Sailors was recovered Friday and transported by helicopter to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) for medical care, but was pronounced dead.
The “Seahawk” helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, crashed into the Pacific Ocean Jan. 26 at approximately 2:30 p.m. while conducting a routine training mission near San Clemente Island.
The aircraft was operating off Bonhomme Richard when the incident occurred.
The pilot made a “Mayday” call before impacting the ocean, but no other indications of mechanical malfunction or fire were reported by the crew.
The incident occurred within sight of Bonhomme Richard, and SAR efforts began immediately via Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and nearby aircraft. Additional SAR helicopters from USS Chosin (CG 65) and USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93) were deployed to assist, along with a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and the ships USS Milius (DDG 69) and USS Mount Rushmore (LSD 47).
SAR efforts by ship and P-3 “Orion” aircraft continued through the evening the day of the crash, with small boat SAR efforts reconvening the following morning.
The Navy is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Names of the service members are currently being withheld.
For more information about the Navy visit http://www.navy.mil (http://www.navy.mil/).