Posted on 10/03/2005 5:44:46 PM PDT by SandRat
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Three Sailors from Naval Station Mayport’s Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 44, who were killed when their helicopter crashed off the coast of North Carolina Sept. 25, have been identified as:
Lt. Robert L. Elortegui, 32, pilot, of Miami, Fla.
Lt. Thomas Brantley, 27, pilot, of Ahoskie, N.C.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Nestor L. Oterolebron, 27, of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
The helicopter lost communications while conducting deck landing qualifications off the coast of North Carolina as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Sept. 25 at 10:50 p.m.
A search and rescue operation was immediately launched by Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard air and surface assets.
Search and rescue efforts were officially suspended at 11 a.m. Sept. 26 after an extensive search in the vicinity of the debris field.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Thanks for the post SR...
A salute to fallen shipmates...
May God Bless you all... and may we have a chance to sail together in heaven.
God be with their families.
My son was out on this exercise, he said they looked dawn to dusk, but sadly, found nothing.
Prayers to the families.
Lt. Thomas Brantley, 27, pilot, of Ahoskie, N.C.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Nestor L. Oterolebron, 27, of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
I just hate this --- so sad. Prayers for their families and their brave souls.
Ping
I join in prayer for these heroes and their loved ones!
BTTT
I was on watch just a few miles away when this happened. Sad thing.
One of the guys, Lt Thomas "Nick" Brantley was my husband's college buddy, a wonderful husband and a terrific sailor. It is so sad to see a man with so much to look forward to and who had such great potential die this way. I am proud to have known Nick, a truly amazing friend, husband and sailor who died doing what he loved and was good at, flying and serving this great country. Thank you, Nick, and the other 2 gentlemen for your sacrifice. God bless you and your families...
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