Louisiana National Guard helicopter accident

NEW ORLEANS – Two UH-60 BlackHawk aircraft assigned to the Hammond, Louisiana Army National Guard were participating in a training exercise over night. One aircraft with four aircrew and seven Marines assigned to Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, was involved in an accident near Eglin range site A-17, east of the Navarre Bridge in Florida.

The helicopter was reported missing at about 8:30 p.m. last night. Debris from the aircraft was located by search and rescue team at about 2 a.m. this morning. Search and rescue efforts are underway at the accident site currently.

The second helicopter and its personnel on board have returned and are accounted for at this time. The aircraft are assigned to the 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion in Hammond, Louisiana. They were participating in a routine training mission involving the Marine Special Operations Regiment from Camp LeJeune.

Names of the aircrew and Marines on board are being withheld pending NOK notification. The accident is under investigation. Additional details will be provided as they become available.

The crash is under investigation.

Media Contacts:

LANG PA (Aircrew / Unit)

COL Pete Schneider
Director of Public Affairs, LA National Guard Peter.r.schneider2.mil@mail.mil
504-278-8286

EGLIN PA (Training Station)

Andy Bourland, DAFC
Director of Team Eglin Public Affairs
850-882-3649; Blackberry: 850.855.6823

MARSOC PA (Marine Trainees)

CAPT Barry Morris
Public Affairs Officer
Marine Special Operations Command, Camp LeJune NC Barry.morris@socom.mil
910-440-0770