USS Iwo Jima Safely Recovers Marine Pilot

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Navy News | July 03, 2006

Washington D.C. - Amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) assisted in the safe recovery of a Marine pilot at approximately 6:50 p.m. (local) July 2 when he safely ejected from his AV 8B Harrier.

The pilot was preparing to land aboard Iwo Jima in the Mediterranean Sea, just north of Crete.

The pilot, a member of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) currently serving as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, was flying a routine training exercise when the incident occurred. He was rescued within eight minutes and received minimal injuries. The cause of the incident is currently being investigated.

“This rescue is a testament to the superb training of our Sailors and Marines, and that’s why the Iwo/Helicopter Support Cargo 26 team was able to come to the aid of this Marine so quickly,” said Iwo Jima Strike Group Commander, Capt. Sinclair M. Harris.

Iwo Jima, one of seven vessels in the strike group, is one month into a scheduled six-month deployment to the Middle East in support of maritime security operations.