Two members of the U.S. Navy were killed July 19 when their helicopter crashed in the Middle Eastern country of Oman, according to the Department of Defense.
Killed in the crash were Senior Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Sean P. Sullivan, 40, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) Second Class Joseph P. Fitzmorris, 31, of Ruston, Louisiana.
The DoD reports:
[Both] were declared deceased following an extensive search of the wreckage and the surrounding areas of the crash.
There were five crew members on board the downed helicopter. According to the Navy, the other three crew members were safely recovered. In addition, STLtoday.com reports:
[A]n Omani air force official said three had been found and were being treated in a hospital. The Omani official was not authorized to release the information and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The crew of the MH-53E Sea Dragon was assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron-15, based at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
As Home Post reported last week, military investigators do not believe hostile action was a factor in the crash.
