13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs Office
ARABIAN SEA – A Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier deployed with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) crashed into the water during takeoff for a routine training flight while operating in the Arabian Sea, March 29.
A MH 60S helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat squadron (HSC) 23 recovered the pilot in approximately 15 minutes. The pilot was safely returned to the ship uninjured.
The identity of the pilot will not be released.
The incident is under investigation.
Boxer and 13th MEU are assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 5 conducting maritime security operations and serving as U.S. Central Command Theater Reserve Force.
US 5th Fleet
