The Navy has declared the five sailors still missing after last week’s helicopter crash dead.
The U.S. 3rd fleet announced on Saturday that the rescue operations have shifted to recovery operations after an MH-60S helicopter that embarked aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln crashed into the sea Tuesday afternoon — roughly 60 nautical miles off the coast.
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“We are deeply saddened by the loss of five Sailors and those injured following the MH-60S helicopter tragedy off the coast of Southern California,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said in a statement. “We stand alongside their families, loved ones, and shipmates who grieve.”
The Navy announced the identities of the five servicemen who died: Lt. Bradley A. Foster, 29, a pilot from Oakhurst, California; Lt. Paul R. Fridley, 28, a pilot from Annandale, Virginia; Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class James P. Buriak, 31, from Salem, Virginia; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sarah F. Burns, 31, from Seven Park, Maryland; and Hospital corpsman 3rd class Bailey J. Tucker, 21, from St. Louis, Missouri.
The 3rd fleet said the rescue operations spanned more than 72 hours and included 34 search and rescue flights, over 170 hours of flight time, and five search helicopters.
Five additional sailors were hurt in the incident. Two had to be transported ashore for treatment, while the other three suffered minor injuries and were able to remain on the ship.
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The operators had reportedly been “conducting routine flight operations” at the time of the accident. There is an investigation underway, though the fleet has not said what could have caused the crash.
“Moving forward, we will continue to honor their service and legacy in everything we do, and hope you join us in this mission,” the USS Lincoln said in a separate statement. “We thank you all for your continued support, thoughts and prayers as this transition is incredibly difficult on all of us.”
