(BrightPress.org) – Five American military personnel were killed during a routine training exercise when their aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, November 10th. U.S. European Command (EUCOM) cited an unspecified “mishap” as the reason for the crash. It was unclear if human or mechanical error was to blame, or if there was some other reason the aircraft crashed.
They had been on a routine air refueling mission during the incident. Search and rescue were activated immediately, but all five crewmen on the aircraft died nonetheless. An investigation is ongoing but military authorities claim there was no reason to suspect hostile involvement.
President Biden issued a statement saying that he mourned their loss. Citing the bravery of our servicemen and women, he pointed out that military members risk their lives every day in service to the United States and its people. He called their daily commitment to face those challenges brave and selfless and pointed out it represents the best parts of America.
He continued, saying that he and Mrs. Biden will pray for the families of those who died. He also pointed out that the following day was Veteran’s Day and pointed out we have a “sacred obligation” to honor their sacrifice.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicated that the aircraft was a helicopter. He said their service and sacrifice would be remembered and that they represented America’s best. The identities of the fallen were withheld until their families could be notified. The men’s names were released on Monday, November 13th.
Anonymous officials indicated that the soldiers were engaged in a mid-flight refueling in an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter when it crashed off the coast of Cyprus in comments given to the New York Times. They were not authorized to speak on the subject.
The helicopter crew was in the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, also known as the Night Stalkers. They typically transport commandos into and out of hot zones during their clandestine missions.
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