US Navy Searching for Missing Aircrew Member

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces in the North Arabian Gulf are conducting a search and rescue operation for a missing aircrew member who went into the water at 2:10 p.m. (GMT), yesterday, when the aircraft the member was aboard lost power on takeoff from USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

Two air crewmen bailed out of the aircraft into the Arabian Gulf with one safely recovered and now in stable condition aboard Makin Island. The pilot of the aircraft, a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, was able to regain control and safely land aboard Makin Island.

U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and boats are taking part in the search and rescue effort.

The Navy and Marine Corps will investigate the cause of the incident.

USS Makin Island with embarked elements of the 11 Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility where it is supporting operations in Iraq and Syria.

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Press Release, October 02, 2014; Image: US Navy