Three members of a four-person MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter crew were rescued after an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
The search efforts continue for the fourth missing crew member. Officials reported no signs indicating the helicopter was shot down by hostile action.
The aircraft is affiliated with the USS George H.W. Bush. These crew members have been safely brought aboard the USS George H.W. Bush and are reported to be in stable condition. U.S. Navy resources are actively involved in locating the missing aircrew member.
The emergency occurrence took place at approximately 3:30 a.m. Eastern time, equating to around 11 a.m. local time. The USS George H.W. Bush has been stationed in the Middle East since late April. It is among two remaining aircraft carriers in this strategic area.
Despite the lifting of the U.S. blockade on vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a significant U.S. military presence persists. Up to mid-May, the U.S. had reported losing 42 fixed-wing or rotor aircraft as part of Operation Epic Fury. This number does not include the U.S. Apache helicopter downed by an Iranian drone in early June.
Both crew members from that helicopter were rescued following the incident, which prompted the U.S. to execute self-defense strikes on Iran.