Search ends for 3 USS Ronald Reagan aircraft personnel sought after crash off Okinawa: Updated

PHILIPPINE SEA- The U.S. Navy ceased search and rescue operations at 10:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time on Nov. 24 for three sailors not immediately recovered after a C-2A Greyhound aircraft crashed on the afternoon of Nov. 22. USS Ronald Reagan led the combined search and rescue efforts with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. During the course of two days, seven U.S. Navy and JMSDF ships, three helicopter squadrons and maritime patrol aircraft covered nearly 1000 square nautical miles in the search for the missing sailors. Eight sailors were immediately recovered from the crash and transferred to Ronald Reagan for medical evaluation. All are in good condition at this time. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmates and their families," said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, Commander, Task Force 70. "As difficult as this is, we are thankful for the rapid and effective response that led to the rescue of eight of our shipmates, and I appreciate the professionalism and dedication shown by all who participated in the search efforts." The sailor's names are being withheld pending completion of next of kin notifications. An investigation is currently underway.

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