There were no fatalities when an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter from the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., crashed Sept. 7 at nearby Duke Field. Two airmen suffered minor injuries and five others were unhurt. The aircraft was on a routine training flight. The Air Force has launched an investigation in what officials have termed a “hard landing,” according to a 1st Special Operations Wing release. Firemen from Eglin AFB, Fla., put out an initial fire.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.