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Update: MH-53 Helicopter Suffers Aviation Mishap, Crashes

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15 crashed 58 miles southwest of Muscat, Oman Thursday while conducting heavy lift support operations.

The crash was not due to any sort of hostile activity.

Another MH-53E assigned to HM-15 was on scene, providing search and rescue assistance. Three of the helicopter's crew were safely recovered. Search and rescue efforts continue for two crew members still missing.

The incident is under investigation.

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