On Sunday, military officials announced that five U.S. service members were confirmed dead after their military aircraft crashed over the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Saturday morning during a routine training mission.
U.S. European Command announced that while undergoing a routine air refueling mission, the aircraft “suffered a mishap” and crashed into the sea. Search and rescue efforts began immediately, with nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships. Unfortunately, all five service members on board the aircraft were determined to have died.
An investigation into the crash is underway though military officials have said that there are no indications of any hostile activity involved.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed in a statement that the crash involved a helicopter, writing, “While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe.”
“They represent the best of America,” he continued. “We will remember their service and their sacrifice.”
President Joe Biden said in a statement that he mourned the loss of the five service members, writing, “Our service members put their lives on the line for our country every day. They willingly take risks to keep the American people safe and secure. And their daily bravery and selflessness is an enduring testament to what is best in our nation.”
Biden continued: “Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved one — a piece of their soul. Our entire nation shares their grief. And, during this weekend when we pause to honor our nation’s veterans, we once more affirm the sacred obligation we bear to those who volunteer to serve our nation as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. We pray for the families of all our fallen warriors today and every day.”
The identities of the crewmembers are being withheld from the public until 24 hours after their families are notified. It is still unconfirmed what branch of the military the aircraft belonged to, but the Air Force has sent additional squadrons to the region, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.
EUCOM is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean.
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