Helicopter down off Virginia coast

By CNN Staff

updated 12:26 PM EST, Wed January 8, 2014

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • A search and rescue operation is under way
  • The downed craft is a CH-53E Super Stallion
  • Its mission is to transport heavy equipment and supplies for amphibious assault
  • The helicopter carries a crew of four


(CNN) -- A U.S. Navy helicopter is down off the Virginia coast, the Navy said Wednesday.

The helicopter is a CH-53E, the Navy said on Twitter

The Navy tweeted that the craft was down off the coast of Norfolk. It said a search-and-rescue operation was under way.

The CH-53E Super Stallion's mission is the transportation of heavy equipment and supplies for amphibious assault, according to theNavy.


There are 152 of the aircraft in operation, it said. The CH-53E carries a crew of four: pilot, co-pilot, crew chief and mechanic/gunner.


http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/08/us/nav...html?hpt=hp_t2