5 U.S. service members were killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise

Five U.S. service members were killed in a military Black Hawk helicopter crash during a training exercise in the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday.

Circumstance of the incident: The crash occurred during a routine air refueling mission over the Mediterranean Sea.
* Officials said there was no indication of hostile fire.
* Defense officials have started an investigation into the cause of the crash.
* The U.S. European Command confirmed that search and rescue efforts were initiated immediately after the incident.

Reactions: The crash came a day after Veterans Day and drew condolences from across the nation.
* “They represent the best of America. We will remember their service and their sacrifice,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in a statement.

Context: This incident adds to a list of fatal crashes during military training exercises in recent years.
* An aircraft crash during a training exercise on Australia’s Melville Island in August resulted in three fatalities.
* Five sailors died in 2021 after a Seahawk helicopter crashed off the San Diego coast during routine Navy operations.
* The Department of Defense is withholding the identities of the deceased service members until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

View original article on NPR
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