U.S. Navy file photo
A U.S. Navy C2-A aircraft with 11 crew and passengers on board crashed into the Philippine Sea on Wednesday afternoon, the Navy has reported. Eight of the personnel were rescued by the U.S. Navy “Golden Falcons” helicopter squadron, and all were reported in good condition. Three people are missing. “Our entire focus is on finding all of our sailors,” said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Task Force 70. “U.S. and Japanese ships and aircraft are searching the area of the crash, and we will be relentless in our efforts.” The aircraft was conducting a routine transport flight carrying passengers and cargo from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.
The C2-A is assigned to a logistics support squadron deployed in Atsugi, Japan. The squadron’s mission includes the transport of high-priority cargo, mail, duty passengers and visitors between USS Ronald Reagan and shore bases throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. Several other ships and aircraft based in the region have joined the search for the missing crew. The incident will be investigated, according to the Navy public affairs office.
