Was this the plane that went down?
Sounds like some excellent work by the pilot and crew to have that many sailors rescued.
E-2 Hawkeye
The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-based tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. The twin turboprop aircraft was designed and developed in the 1950s by Grumman for the United States Navy as a replacement for the E-1 Tracer. The aircraft has been progressively updated with the latest variant, the E-2D, first flying in 2007.
The aircraft was nicknamed “Super Fudd” because it replaced “Willy Fudd” (the E-1 Tracer). In the present day, it is most commonly nicknamed the “Hummer” due to the distinctive sound of its twin turboprop engines. Designed as a flying radar station, the Hawkeye is sometimes called “the affordable AWACS,” and is just what the Navy needs to guard its aircraft carrier battle groups and to direct friendly warplanes when the action begins.
Today the US Navy flies 75 E-2C Hawkeye-2000 and plans to maintain a fleet of at least 70 aircraft in operational service well into the 2020s. Each carrier air wing has a four-Hawkeve squadron, although a back-up aircraft is usually available as well. During typical flight operations, an E-2C is airborne at all times-the Hawkeye is the first aircraft to take off and the last to land.
It is a variant of the E-2C Hawkeye. This one (C-2A Greyhound) is a variant for delivering supplies and personnel to the fleet.
Still hope to find & read accident report finds. Maybe:
1. Low fuel & flame out
2. Contaminated fuel & flame out
All while on approach to Reagan. C-2 Pilot deserves high award/recognition for safe ditch. Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Cross and Purple Heart.