Trending

Navy identifies 5 sailors killed in helicopter crash

By Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy on Saturday declared five sailors dead, after they had gone missing earlier in the week following a helicopter crash in the Pacific Ocean.

>> Read more trending news

Update 1:40 p.m. Sept. 6: The Navy on Sunday identified the five sailors killed in a helicopter crash.

  • Lt. Bradley A. Foster, 29, a pilot from Oakhurst, California.
  • Lt. Paul R. Fridley, 28, a pilot from Annandale, Virginia.
  • James P. Buriak, 31, a Naval air crewman (helicopter) 2nd class, from Salem, Virginia.
  • Sarah F. Burns, 31, a hospital corpsman 2nd class, from Severna Park, Maryland.
  • Bailey J. Tucker, 21, a hospital corpsman 3rd class, from St. Louis, Missouri.
Image 1 of 5

Navy identifies 5 sailors killed in helicopter crash Lt. Bradley A. Foster, 29, a pilot from Oakhurst, California, is one of five sailors killed in a helicopter crash last week. (U.S. Navy/U.S. Navy)

Original report: The Navy will now shift to recovery efforts after coordinating more than three dozen search and rescue flights over more than 72 hours.

The sailor’s names were not released until next of kin is notified, the Navy Times reported.

Five other sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln — where the MH-60S helicopter was operating before the crash — who were injured are in stable condition. There are typically ground crews present on the carrier and other people working on the deck.

The helicopter crashed during what was called routine flight operations. The investigation is ongoing.

There is usually a crew of four aboard the MH-60S. The helicopters are used in combat missions, humanitarian disaster relief and search and rescue.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of five Sailors and those injured following the MH-60S helicopter tragedy off the coast of Southern California,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said in a statement. “We stand alongside their families, loved ones, and shipmates who grieve.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

©2021 Cox Media Group

Most Read