• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Four U.S. Servicemembers Injured in Hard Chopper Landing

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2005 – Four servicemembers were injured when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter made a hard landing during combat operations in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province on Oct. 22, officials reported today.

Three of the servicemembers were treated and released, and the fourth is currently in stable condition at a nearby U.S. airfield. All were part of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force.

"In combat there are a lot of risks. Here in Afghanistan, we sometimes have to land on rocky, uneven terrain," said Army Lt. Col Donald Bolduc, Task Force 31 commander.

The helicopter was recovered and taken to a nearby airfield for repair.

In other news from Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 22 close-air-support and armed-reconnaissance sorties supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities, and the conduct of presence route patrols.

Air Force A-10 close-air-support jets performed an air strike against anti-coalition militia in the vicinity of Asmar.

Air Force A-10s, F-15 attack fighters and a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle also provided supported coalition forces in the vicinities of Asadabad, Baghtu, Oruzgan and Shkin

Five U.S. Air Force and French Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. British Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward news releases.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Oct2005/20051023_3139.html