The United States military has suspended its search for a missing sailor who was aboard a helicopter that crashed in the Arabian Sea last week. The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command announced Sunday that the search efforts concluded following an extensive operation by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The suspension officially took effect Sunday afternoon.
Incident Details
The sailor went missing on July 1 when the crew of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter executed an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea. Three of the four crew members were rescued and returned to the USS George H.W. Bush, the helicopter's assigned carrier. Authorities have not released the missing sailor's name pending notification of next of kin and a 24-hour waiting period after notification.
Search Operation Scope
Military crews searched for more than 102 hours, covering over 14,000 square miles. The operation involved multiple aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, helicopter squadrons, anti-submarine squadrons, and U.S. Air Force aircraft. According to the Navy, there was no indication that the helicopter was shot down by hostile action.
