The search for three missing sailors following a C-2A Greyhound crash on November 22 was ended at 10:00 am Japan Standard Time on November 24, the US Navy announced.
The Grumman C-2A Greyhound, used by the navy for carrier onboard delivery, crashed at approximately 2:45 pm, Wednesday, while en route to the US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) which was operating in the Philippine Sea.
Eight sailors were immediately recovered from the crash and transferred to Ronald Reagan for medical evaluation. All are in good condition at this time.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) led the combined search and rescue efforts with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). During the course of two days, eight U.S. Navy and JMSDF ships, three helicopter squadrons and maritime patrol aircraft covered nearly 1000 square nautical miles in the search for the missing sailors.
In addition to US destroyers and MH-60R helicopters, JMSDF ships were heavily involved in the search effort having sent three destroyer and two helicopter carriers to the search and rescue area.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmates and their families,” said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, Commander, Task Force 70. “As difficult as this is, we are thankful for the rapid and effective response that led to the rescue of eight of our shipmates, and I appreciate the professionalism and dedication shown by all who participated in the search efforts.”
An investigation is currently underway, the navy said.