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Above: An officer talks to the crowd at the memorial service for the five Navy helicopter crew members who were killed in a crash off the coast last week. The service was held aboard the USS Midway in downtown San Diego.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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Service Held for Lost Helicopter Crew
Aired 5/28/09
A memorial service was held on the deck of the USS Midway in Downtown San Diego today to remember the crew of the Navy helicopter that crashed off the coast last week. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.
SAN DIEGO — A memorial service was held on the deck of the USS Midway in Downtown San Diego today to remember the crew of the Navy helicopter that crashed off the coast last week. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.
The service began with the singing of the National Anthem as military jets flew by. The five crew members of the Seahawk helicopter were remembered by their Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Commander Wesley McCall. He says their deaths should serve as a reminder to others.
“For our air crews out there, this simply means and proves that we are all venerable even during the most benign missions. So don’t ever, ever take anything you’re doing out there for granted,” he says.
McCall says the crew had 9000 hours of combined experience. A Navy spokesman says the investigation into the crash is ongoing. The bodies of three of the crew were recovered. The other two have not been found.
Katie Orr, KPBS News
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