Navy Helicopter Crashes in the Gulf of Aden

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed at 2:00 p.m. (GMT) on Monday at sea in the Gulf of Aden as it attempted to land on board USS Mesa Verde.

All 25 people on board the helicopter, 17 marines and eight navy sailors, were safely recovered and are now on board USS Mesa Verde. Some sustained minor injuries. 

The crash was not a result of hostile activity. The aircraft was transferring the marines and sailors back to USS Mesa Verde from training ashore in nearby Djibouti.

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

USS Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility where it is conducting maritime security operations.