Conclusion of salvage operations surrounding the December 2018 aircraft mishap

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole | A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron receives fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole/Released)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.10.2019

Story by 1st Lt. Jose Uriarte 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP COURTNEY, Okinawa, Japan – The salvage operation related to the December 6, 2018 aircraft mishap involving an F/A-18 and a KC-130J has concluded. The operation occurred from May 27 to June 7, 2019.

The salvage effort accomplished the task of recovering the KC-130J’s cockpit voice recorder and digital flight recorder. These devices are being delivered to Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland for analysis to assist in the on-going investigation.

Additionally, human remains were recovered during the salvage operation. At this time, the number and identity of those recovered is not known. The remains will be transferred to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware where formal identification will be made by competent medical authorities.

We reaffirm our deepest sympathy for all affected by this tragedy and those grieving the loss of the six Marines who perished in this accident. We also would like to express our sincere gratitude for the cooperation and expertise of the underwater salvage team.

The cause of the December 2018 aircraft mishap remains under investigation.

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• Date Taken: 06.10.2019
• Date Posted: 06.10.2019 03:07
• Story ID: 326322
• Location: OKINAWA, JP