Five US special operation troops were killed after a US military aircraft crashed while conducting training operations in the Mediterranean Sea on November 10, 2023.
According to the United States European Command, the five service members suffered a “mishap” during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.
According to an ABC News report, the aircraft was an MH-60 helicopter, although this has not been confirmed by the US government.
“Out of respect for the affected families, and in accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the crewmembers are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notifications have been completed,” the US European Command said in a press statement.
The US government also said that search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby US military aircraft and ships. It also said that the crash did not show any indication of “hostile activity”.
The incident occurred just a day before Veteran’s Day.
In early October 2023, the US Department of Defense ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean to provide assistance and support to Israel after Hamas carried out deadly terror attacks on October 7.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the US Navy fleet’s largest, newest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier. The carrier strike group is deployed with more than 6,000 sailors across all platforms.
It can carry more than 75 aircraft, including several squadrons of Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters.
