Marine Corps Helicopter Crashes In Gulf of Aden While Landing Aboard Navy Ship

U.S. Navy File Photo

Only minor injuries are being reported after a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Aden today while attempting to land aboard a U.S. Navy ship, the Navy said Monday.

A statement from the U.S. Navy said that the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed at sea at 2:00 p.m. (GMT) as it attempted to land aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in the Gulf of Aden.

All 25 people aboard – including 17 Marines and eight Navy Sailors – were recovered safely and brought aboard the USS Mesa Verde. Personnel who sustained minor injuries in the crash were treated aboard USS Mesa Verde, the Navy said.

The helicopter is assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and was transferring the Marines and Navy sailors back to USS Mesa Verde from training ashore in nearby Djibouti, the Navy said.

The crash was not a result of hostile activity, the Navy added.

The crash is under investigation by both the Marine Corps and the Navy.

The USS Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility where it is conducting maritime security operations.

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