Posted on 02/23/2012 6:46:30 AM PST by KeyLargo
Marines Killed in Helicopter Collision
The Cobra and Huey helicopters were conducting a training exercise at the time of the crash according to defense officials
By R. Stickney
| Thursday, Feb 23, 2012 | Updated 6:13 AM PST
Seven U.S. Marines died when two helicopters collided last night near Yuma, Arizona.
Defense officials said the Marines were from the 3rd Marine Airwing based at MCAS Miramar near San Diego.
There were no survivors.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The identities of the seven killed have not been released pending formal notification of next of kin.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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Prayers up for the Marines and their families.
This proves that we have to pull US troops out of Arizona…
No, wait - Obama already did!
I was not aware we still had Hueys in the inventory. I thought the last ones rolled off the assembly lines in the seventies. Great bird though, wish they still made it.
ABC has reported that the helos were based at MCAS Camp Pendleton (PAO is based in Miramar) - doing desert training in MCAS Yuma prior to deployment.
A number of my son’s friends (many of whom were roomates at USNA or in San Diego) fly Cobras and Hueys. We are now on pins and needles, as we are very close with their parents.
Please pray for them all.
“I was not aware we still had Hueys in the inventory. I thought the last ones rolled off the assembly lines in the seventies. Great bird though, wish they still made it.”
They DO still make Hueys, although some of those in active service might be from the 70’s.
The new UH-1Y is a stretched and more powerful version of the original airframe and are currently in production (since 2005).
Re: I was not aware we still had Hueys in the inventory. I thought the last ones rolled off the assembly lines in the seventies. Great bird though, wish they still made it.
The Marines still fly the Cobra and Huey A/C. Army aviation relies on the Blackhawk and AH-64’s. OIF vet
The Army stopped teaching the Huey at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, last spring. Most all of the flight students at that time were from other nations. There is a company in Ozark, Al., that refurbishes them for sale to foreign countries so I’ll occasionally see or hear one on its final check ride prior to shipping. Last one I saw was headed to Colombia, SA.
I’ve been a bit surprised the Marines have held on to this “old” chopper technology for so long, but it apparently meets their needs, both tactically and budget-wise.
Big difference between the original Huey and the UH-1Y.
The UH-1Y and the AH-1Z are both products of the “4BN/4BW” upgrades to the UH-1N and AH-1W respectively. Four-bladed rotors, more powerful engines, glass cockpit. Great birds.
Requiem in Pacem, Marines.
Semper Fidelis
TC
Yes, there is. Rather obvious to see too. Still, probably much cheaper to buy, build and maintain compared to the Army’s latest choppers, although I’ve not compared prices lately.
Prayers up for the families of these heroes.
I have a friend from college who flew Hueys for the USN for 20 years. His son is in the USMC now and also flies helicopters, so I’m anxiously waiting for IDs too. God bless all of them.
Mrs. Prince of Space
Prayers up...
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