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U.S. Navy Suspends Search for Sailor Missing After MH-60S Water Landing

Commanders ended active rescue operations after an exhaustive, more-than-102-hour search that covered over 14,000 square miles.

Overview

  • An MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to the USS George H. W. Bush made an emergency water landing on July 1, and three of the helicopter’s four crew members were recovered and reported in stable condition aboard the carrier.
  • Naval Forces Central Command said it suspended the active search effective 3 p.m. AST on Sunday, July 5, after more than 102 hours of coordinated operations.
  • Search teams canvassed more than 14,000 square miles using carrier strike-group ships, multiple guided-missile destroyers, P‑8 Poseidon aircraft, helicopter squadrons and U.S. Air Force planes.
  • The mishap is under formal Navy investigation and officials say there is no indication the helicopter was brought down by hostile action.
  • The missing sailor’s name is being withheld until at least 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, and the suspension of the search adds to wider scrutiny of recent U.S. military aviation incidents and safety reviews.