A team of deep-sea salvage experts has successfully located and recovered the downed MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on November 10th. The aircraft, which was carrying five special operations aviation Soldiers, experienced an in-flight emergency during a routine training mission, tragically resulting in the loss of all crew members.
The recovery operation, led by Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, brought together a combined team of Navy personnel, including experts from Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), Phoenix International, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU 8), along with specialists from the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC).
Their efforts were crucial in locating and retrieving the helicopter using cutting-edge underwater survey and recovery equipment mounted on the Deep Drone, a 4,100-pound ROV designed for deep-sea operations.
“The success of this mission can be attributed to highly trained Sailors, Soldiers, and civilians from the combined Army-Navy team who came together and displayed extreme skill to safely recover the helicopter,” said Cdr. John Kennedy, Commanding Officer of EODMU 8 and Commander, Task Group (CTG) 68.1.
“Everyone onboard was humbled by the opportunity to play a small role in helping to bring closure to grieving families,” he added.
The remains of two Soldiers were recovered during initial search and rescue efforts. This mission successfully retrieved the remains of the three remaining Soldiers, who will now be flown to Dover Air Force Base and returned to their families. The identities of the recovered Soldiers will be withheld until next-of-kin notification is completed.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve in our nation’s armed forces. The dedication and skill of the deep-sea salvage team in recovering the fallen Soldiers and the aircraft offer a small measure of comfort to their families and a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who serve to protect our nation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen Soldiers and express our gratitude to the brave men and women who risked their lives to bring them home