Posted on 01/17/2016 7:05:42 AM PST by huldah1776
Families confirmed identities of some of the missing Marines involved in a helicopter collision over Hawaii on Thursday.
The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for 12 Marines who were reportedly on board two CH-53 helicopters when the aircrafts collided at 3 a.m. Thursday. The families of seven Marines released statements providing identities of the supposed helicopter passengers.
One was Captain Kevin Roche, whose family released a statement hoping for his return and offering thanks for the report they received following the news. "Captain Kevin Roche is a passionate Marine who loves his family and his country - and we love him," they said. "We believe the Marines and Coast Guard are doing everything they can to bring Kevin and his fellow Marines home safely and we are grateful to everyone involved in the rescue. Our family appreciates the prayers and encouragement we have received as we watch, wait and pray for Kevin's safe return."
Trina Hart, mother of Marine Ty Hart of Stayto, Ore., also told KATU that she and her family believe her son is alive and are seeking thoughts and prayers for his return. Hart had been married in Oregon six months ago.
Family of 24-year-old crew chief Sgt. Dillon Semolina also asked for prayers in Minnesota.
KPRC also received reports from the families of two Houston Marines, Maj. Shawn Campbell and Cpl. Matthew Drown.
Campbell is married with four children and was deployed to Iraq three times.
Drown's brother Shawn emailed KPRC saying, "He loved his family, friends and everyone he had the chance to meet. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone he could. We are still hoping for his safe return home."
Family and friends said Capt. Steven Torbert and Sgt. Josh Turner, both from Alabama, were also aboard the helicopters.
The Marine Corps released a statement confirming the search: "Marine Corps Forces Pacific are currently working with the U.S. Coast Guard District 14 in ongoing search and rescue operations for two Marine CH-53E helicopters that were conducting a training flight off the coast of Oahu. The aircraft are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
We can confirm there are 12 Marines currently unaccounted for as a result of this incident, and officials will provide more details as they become available", Maj. Christian Devine announced.
The Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Honolulu Emergency Services, and the Honolulu Fire Department joined together to look for survivors 7 miles offshore as the weather worsened. "Swells reached 16 feet, surf rose to 40 feet and visibility extended to only one mile", the Coast Guard said.
The aircraft are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, MAG 24, from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
From Facebook Hearts for Heroes...Prayers for Marines, families, brothers, friends.
Maj. Shawn M. Campbell, 41, College Station, Texas.
Capt. Brian T. Kennedy, 31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Capt. Kevin T. Roche, 30, St. Louis, Missouri.
Capt. Steven R. Torbert, 29, Florence, Alabama.
Sgt. Dillon J. Semolina, 24,Chaska, Minnesota.
Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, 25, Gardners, Pennsylvania.
Sgt. Jeffrey A. Sempler, 22, Woodruff, South Carolina.
Sgt. William J. Turner, 25, Florala, Alabama.
Cpl. Matthew R. Drown, 23, Spring, Texas.
Cpl. Thomas J. Jardas, 22, Fort Myers, Florida.
Cpl. Christopher J. Orlando, 23, Hingham, Massachusetts.
Lance Cpl. Ty L. Hart, 21, Aumsville, Oregon.
Many prayers for these brave men and their families.
Verse 1: Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Verse 2: O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked’st on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Verse 3: Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Verse 4: O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
That song always makes me cry. RIP, brave Marines.
Two helicopters out at 3 am - is that a normal thing? Did anyone mention why this happened?
I’ read that a laser was pointed at one of the search and rescue aircraft.
I continue to hold out hope. But RIP is becoming more likely by the hour.
They train like they fight. Day or night.
thank you
Yup, FoxNews link and could have been the cause of the crash if their path was a regular one. I would be investigating everything at this point...
Only the Major’s older than me.
RIP, Marines.
Yes, normal. Our ground forces and air forces fight primarily at night.
I did not know that, so I can put my tinfoil hat away for now. ;)
This is just so sad - with all the men who have been lost under strange circumstances, I go to a very bad place very quickly.
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