JTF 505 continues the recovery of UH-1Y and crew

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

05.16.2015

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

KATHMANDU, Nepal - The recovery of a UH-1Y Huey helicopter that went missing on May 12 and was later discovered on May 15 has resumed today, 8 miles north of Charikot, in the Dolakha district of Nepal.

The recovery effort began at 6:30 a.m. today (NST). Nepal Special Forces, U.S. Marines, and Air Force Pararescuemen were inserted near the wreckage site and worked together to gather information about the helicopter and its crew.

Eight separate sets of remains have been discovered since the recovery effort began. They have yet to be positively identified. Additionally, the cause of the mishap has not been determined.

The aircraft belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, California and arrived in Nepal directly from Exercise Balikatan 2015 that was underway in the Philippines.

The U.S. and Nepalese service members aboard the Huey “were participating in disaster relief missions following the second devastating earthquake…they were determined to go forward with their duties, eager to contribute to our mission to alleviate suffering and come to the rescue of those in need,” expressed U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler, Joint Task Force 505 commander, during a press conference May 15.

JTF 505 arrived in Nepal on April 29 to conduct humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations following the April 25 and May 12 earthquakes. The humanitarian mission remains ongoing.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2015
• Date Posted: 05.16.2015 10:46
• Story ID: 163564
• Location: KATHMANDU, NP