1st MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii --
The Marine Corps can confirm there is an active search
and rescue operation ongoing for two CH-53E helicopters off the coast of Oahu.
The CH-53E's involved in the incident were carrying a total of 12 Marine crew
members.
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently conducting search and
rescue operations and will be joined in their search efforts by Marines with
Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing under a Unified Search and
Rescue Command.
We ask the public to not touch any debris that comes
ashore from the CH-53s that crashed and to respect any cordons that the
Honolulu Fire Department and Police have established. Please note the location
of debris and we will provide you a number to call very shortly.
The aircraft are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
463, MAG 24, 1st MAW from Marine Corps Base Hawaii. We will provide more details
as they become available.
For additional information please contact Capt.
Timothy Irish at 1- 808-216-7183.