Six Servicemembers Lost In Training Crash

US Army officials report six US servicemembers have now died of injuries sustained when a US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment crashed at approximately noon Thursday, 22 miles southwest of Aviano, Italy.

Revising earlier reports, Army officials now say five died in the crash and one died later that evening. Eleven US Airmen and Soldiers were on board the aircraft, four Army crew members and seven Airmen as passengers.

As ANN reported, the Black Hawk was on a training mission from Aviano when it crashed in an uninhabited area near Santa Lucia di Piave. The mission was also intended to give Airmen the opportunity to gain a better understanding of joint operations, and to perform a reenlistment ceremony.

The names of the victims are being withheld until notification of next of kin has been completed. When appropriate, names will be released by the individual services. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

"I ask you to keep our Army and Air Force families who lost loved ones in your prayers," said Brig. Gen Craig Franklin, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "The impact of this tragedy will be felt throughout our community for some time."

A joint memorial service for the fallen Aviano family members is tentatively planned for November 14.

FMI: www.army.mil