Five U.S. service members lost their lives in a tragic military aircraft crash during a routine air refueling mission over the eastern Mediterranean Sea, according to U.S. European Command. The incident occurred on Friday evening, with the military confirming the crash on Saturday. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but there is no evidence of hostile activity involved. Search and rescue operations immediately commenced, utilizing nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships. In accordance with Department of Defense policy and out of respect for the families, the identities of the crew members will not be released until 24 hours after next of kin notifications have been made. The exact military branch to which the aircraft belonged remains unclear. The Air Force has dispatched additional squadrons to the area, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, equipped with various aircraft, has also been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.
Tragic Air Crash Claims Lives of 5 Crew Members over the Mediterranean, US Military Reports
