Helicopter Crash in Iraq – On Thursday, March 15, 2018 a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crash in Iraq claimed the lives of seven U.S. military personnel.
Military sources say the crash did not appear to be a result of enemy activity. An accompanying U.S. helicopter immediately reported the crash and a quick reaction force composed of Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition members secured the scene.
The crash site of the HH-60 was near the town of Qaim in Abar Province. One news report says the crash occurred about 20 miles southeast of Qaim. There are two U.S. military bases located in the general area. It is reported that the helicopters were on a routine flight mission.
About the HH-60. Used by the Air Force for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions (as well as for SOF missions) the HH-60 is similar to the more commonly recognized UH-60 helicopter of the U.S. Army. The HH-60 does have some significant upgrades that makes it suitable for CSAR operations.
Casualties:
* 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base
Captain Mark K. Weber
* 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard
Captain Andreas B. O’Keefe
Captain Christopher T. Zanetis
Master Sergeant Christopher J. Raguso
Staff Sergeant Dashan J. Briggs
* 308th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, Patrick AFB, Florida
Master Sergeant William R. Posch
Staff Sergeant Carl P. Enis
DoD News Releases:
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties, DoD Press Operations, March 17, 2018.
Moody Air Force Base Airman Killed in Iraq, DVIDS, March 17, 2018.
US Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq, CENTCOM, March 16, 2018.
News Articles:
“7 Service Members Killed in Iraq Helicopter Crash Identified”, Military.com, March 17, 2018.
“Four 106th Rescue Wing airmen killed in Iraq officially identified”, Riverhead News-Review, March 17, 2018.
“He was golden: PJ killed in Iraq crash remembered as outdoorsman, loyal friend”, Air Force Times, March 16, 2018.
“Tallahassee Air Force Staff Sgt. Carl Enis killed in Iraq helicopter crash”, Tallahassee Democrat, March 16, 2018.
Facebook post on two FDNY Deaths. New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
“2 FDNY members among 7 soldiers killed in Iraq helicopter crash”, Eyewitess News ABC 7, March 16, 2018.
References:
HH-60G Pave Hawk, U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet, February 4, 2004
http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104508/hh-60g-pave-hawk/
Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk, WikipediA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_HH-60_Pave_Hawk
