Salvage Operations Conclude Surrounding December 2018 Aircraft Mishap
10 Jun 2019

The salvage operation related to the Dec. 6, 2018 aircraft mishap involving an F/A-18 and a KC-130J has concluded. The operation occurred from May 27 to June 7, 2019.

The salvage effort accomplished the task of recovering the KC-130J’s cockpit voice recorder and digital flight recorder. These devices are being delivered to Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, for analysis to assist in the on-going investigation.

Additionally, human remains were recovered during the salvage operation. At this time, the number and identity of those recovered is not known. The remains will be transferred to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, where formal identification will be made by competent medical authorities.

We reaffirm our deepest sympathy for all affected by this tragedy and those grieving the loss of the six Marines who perished in this accident. We also would like to express our sincere gratitude for the cooperation and expertise of the underwater salvage team.

The cause of the December 2018 aircraft mishap remains under investigation.