Posted on 09/26/2005 3:24:17 PM PDT by Drew68
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Navy has suspended search-and-rescue efforts for three service members from a Mayport-based helicopter lost off the coast of North Carolina.
The search was called off at 11 a.m. Monday after debris from the wreckage of the SH-60B Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Wing 44 was located and no survivors were found.
The Navy reported losing communication with the helicopter at 10:50 p.m. Saturday while it was conducting landing qualifications on two ships off Cherry Point, N.C. as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft and surface ship searched the area for 36 hours before the search was discontinued.
The Navy said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
HSL-44, nicknamed the Swamp Foxes, flies Seahawk helicopters, which normally operate with two pilots and one aircrewman. The Navy was withholding the names of the airman aboard, pending notification of next of kin, but family members have identified one of the pilots as 31-year-old Lt. Rob Elortegui.
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September 25, 2005: Navy Searching For Missing Mayport Chopper, Crew
Navy Jet Down Near NAS Jacksonville
It is an inherently dangerous job we do. God rest their souls and comfort the friends and families of these heroes.
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