Categories: MilitaryMilitary News

Military Connection: Helicopter Crashes Near Eglin AFB

By Debbie Gregory.

Seven Marines who were part of a special operations group based in Camp Lejeune, and four National Guard soldiers were believed to be killed in an Army helicopter crash during a night-time training mission in Florida . The National Guard soldiers were from a unit based in Hammond, Louisiana.

By late this morning, human remains had washed ashore in the area near Eglin Air Force Base, base spokeswoman Jasmine Porterfield said.

The Army National Guard’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had taken off from an airport in nearby Destin to join other aircraft in the training exercise. The site is an ideal training area for special operations units from all branches of the military to practice over the water, on the beach and in the bay.

On Tuesday evening, March 10th, when the helicopter went missing, fog in the area reduced visibility to two miles or less, according to the National Weather Service.

This morning, the fog remained so heavy that search boats that were just offshore could be heard but not seen, blasting horns as their crews peered into the water. There were a dozen airmen, dressed in fatigues, walking shoulder-to-shoulder down the beach, scanning the sand. Civilian law enforcement and rescue crews, including searchers with dogs and dozens of boats, joined the effort.

According to the Coast Guard, debris was first spotted about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. The search area then expanded to a 17-mile stretch of the narrow sound separating Santa Rosa Island from the Florida Panhandle mainland.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families as the search and rescue continues,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Capitol Hill.

This tragic incident is a reminder to all of us, that those who serve put themselves at risk, both in training and in combat.

None of the victims have been identified, pending notification of next of kin.

Mitalis

Recent Posts

Best World War II Books to Enjoy This Autumn – A Military Connection Top Ten List

Dive into World War II's finest literature, perfect for history buffs and those seeking captivating…

12 months ago

7 Important Moments in US Military History for Our Service Members

Explore 7 Pivotal Moments in US Military History: From the Birth of the Continental Army…

1 year ago

Military Influencers Use Social Media to Connect Across Experiences

Explore a diverse group of military influencers and veterans as they share their unique experiences,…

1 year ago

Agent Orange and New PACT Act Benefits for Vietnam Veterans

Understanding Agent Orange Effects, VA Benefits, and Veteran Support: A Comprehensive Guide for Vietnam War…

1 year ago

Best Books About World War 1 – A Military Connection Top Ten List

Explore the top ten must-read books about World War One, including memoirs, historical non-fiction, and…

1 year ago

Vietnam Veterans: Their Unique Experience and Its Impact on America

Discover the enduring legacy of Vietnam Veterans and the profound impact of the Vietnam War…

1 year ago