By Cheryl Pellerin
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2015 – U.S. military rescue personnel
confirmed that the wreckage of a downed aircraft identified by a Nepalese
search team is the Marine Corps UH-1Y helicopter that went missing May 12 in
Nepal, III Marine Expeditionary Force’s commanding general said today.
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John W. Wissler, also commander of
Marine Forces Japan, discussed the recovery effort this morning during a press
conference.
“The six Marines and two Nepalese soldiers on board the
aircraft were participating in disaster-relief missions following the second
devastating earthquake that struck this country,” Wissler said.
“Because of the nature of the wreckage, it is unlikely that
there are any survivors,” he said.
The helicopter, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter
Squadron 469, was delivering humanitarian assistance in support of Operation
Sahayogi Haat, the U.S. military earthquake relief effort in Nepal.
Rescuing Those in Need
Those aboard the helicopter, Wissler said, “were determined
to go forward with their duties, eager to contribute to our mission and to
alleviate suffering, and to come to the rescue of those in need.”
Because of extremely difficult terrain at the crash site,
including below-freezing temperatures, violent winds and thunderstorms, Wissler
said he made the decision to pause recovery efforts for the evening.
“We cannot afford to put U.S. or Nepalese service members at
any further risk,” he said. “At first light we will resume the recovery
mission.”
The helicopter, with six Marines and two Nepalese soldiers
aboard, was participating in the humanitarian assistance mission for victims of
Nepal’s April 25 magnitude-7.8 earthquake when it went missing.
Joint Task Force 505
U.S. service members involved in the operations are part of
Joint Task Force 505, activated in response to a request from the government of
Nepal, along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief
organizations.
“We are deeply saddened by the discovery of this wreckage
and we will remain dedicated to the recovery effort until every last Marine and
Nepalese soldier is brought home,” Wissler said.
Thanks to Nepal and India
“We … will continue to work closely with the government of
Nepal and the Nepalese Armed Forces to identify the remains of all of the
service members who were aboard the aircraft, and we will determine the cause
of the mishap,” he said.
Wissler expressed gratitude to Nepal and India, who offered
support during e extensive search efforts for the aircraft.
“We recognize that the Nepalese people have suffered a loss
of thousands of their own citizens,” he said, adding, “We will continue to
stand with Nepal as long as our friends need our help.”
Mourning the Loss
Defense Secretary Ash Carter offered his own condolences to
the families of the U.S. and Nepalese service members who perished while
providing aid to earthquake victims in the mountains of Nepal.
“This tragedy is a reminder of the vital but dangerous role
that American service members play in delivering humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief,” Carter said in a statement.
“Our mission continues in Nepal,” the secretary added, “and
we remain dedicated to answering the call when disaster strikes, both in the
Asia-Pacific and around the world.”
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