Navy ready to assist in search and rescue after US aircraft crashed in Okinawa

November 23, 2017

The Philippine Navy has alerted its assets for possible search and rescue deployment after the United States C2-A Greyhound aircraft crashed off the waters  southeast of Okinawa, Japan on Wednesday.

“The Philippine Navy was saddened by the US aircraft accident and right now alerted its ships and aircraft in extending our help in the conduct of possible search and rescue if needed,” Captain Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy spokesman, said.

“We are on alert upon signal. We will (deploy) if needed,” he added.

According to US 7th Fleet, the aircraft carrying 11 crew and passengers was en route to the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which is operating in the Philippine Sea when the incident occurred 500 nautical miles southeast of Okinawa, Japan around 2:45 pm (Japan Standard Time) of November 22.

A total of eight personnel of the C2-A Greyhound aircraft were recovered by the search and rescue teams.

“All personnel were transferred to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) for medical evaluation and are in good condition at this time,” it said.

”Search and rescue efforts for three personnel continue with US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships and aircraft on scene,” it added. Robina Asido/DMS