Beneath the path of Commander, Process Power (CTF) 68, the Navy embarked consultants from Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), Phoenix Worldwide, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Cellular Unit 8 (EODMU 8), and U.S. Army Particular Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) aboard the contracted multipurpose vessel, NG Employee, and proceeded to the crash web site on Dec. 8. As soon as on station, extremely expert operators positioned and recovered the plane utilizing state-of-the-art underwater survey and restoration gear mounted on the Deep Drone distant operated automobile (ROV). The Deep Drone is a 4,100 pound ROV designed to fulfill the Navy’s mid-water salvage necessities to a most depth of 8,000 toes.
“The success of this mission could be attributed to extremely skilled Sailors, Troopers, and civilians from the mixed Army-Navy group who got here collectively and displayed excessive talent to securely recuperate the helicopter,” stated Cdr. John Kennedy, Commanding Officer of EODMU 8 and Commander, Process Group (CTG) 68.1. “Everybody onboard was humbled by the chance to play a small position in serving to to convey closure to grieving households.”
Assigned to U.S. Army Particular Operations Command, the MH-60 Blackhawk was carrying 5 particular operations aviation Troopers when it crashed. All Troopers on board had been killed. The stays of two Troopers had been recovered throughout preliminary search and restoration efforts.
The stays of the three different Troopers had been recovered and will likely be flown to Dover Air pressure Base and returned to the households. The identities of the Troopers recovered will likely be withheld pending notification to subsequent of kin.
The reason for the crash is below investigation. For info concerning the incident, contact the U.S. Army Particular Operations Command Public Affairs workplace at 910-432-6005, or by e-mail at PAO-USASOC@socom.mil.
