Navy Aircraft Mishap in North Arabian Sea

[Rockville]

By U.S. FIFTH Fleet Public Affairs
March 31, 2010

MANAMA, Bahrain – An E-2C Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 stationed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) crashed at sea at approximately 2:00 p.m. (Zulu + 4) March 31 while operating in the North Arabian Sea. Three of the four crew members have been recovered and search and rescue efforts for the fourth crew member are currently underway.

The E-2C was returning from conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) when the aircraft experienced mechanical malfunctions and the crew performed a controlled bailout.

The identities of the crewmen involved are being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

The incident is under investigation.