CH-47 helicopter, Bagram Airfield crashed near Ghazni, Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN PRESS CONFERENCE OPENING STATEMENT

Good morning. I’m Lieutenant Cindy Moore. I would like to read a brief statement and then I will be glad to take your questions.

Two CH-47 helicopters, stationed at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan were flying a re-supply and transport mission through southern Afghanistan delivering mail, supplies, and transporting personnel. One of the two CH-47s crashed near Ghazni. The other CH-47 returned safely to Bagram. An Afghan civilian reported the crash to Coalition forces who immediately dispatched a ground Quick Reaction Force. The Soldiers secured the site and began recovery operations. A total of 18 remains have been recovered from the crash site and will be flown to Dover Air Force Base for positive identification. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. A team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama is scheduled to arrive in Afghanistan today.

We are still fulfilling a combat mission in Afghanistan, and we mourn the loss of any member of our team—the best way to honor the memory of our fallen comrades is to continue the mission they came to Afghanistan to fulfill. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those involved in the crash—they gave their lives to a purpose greater than themselves and for that reason we were honored to serve with them and call them our comrades.

We are very grateful to the people of Ghazni. They were quick to notify Coalition forces of the helicopter crash. They provided additional security and assisted with the recovery of remains from the crash site.

Coalition forces continue to use air power to assist people when needed. Two children were taken to a local hospital in Jalalabad with burns. A 3-yr-old was taken to a Coalition base near Orgun-e for an infection on his hand; because of the treatment he received he will have the use of his right hand. Another boy was taken to Kandahar Airfield for a head injury sustained by a cow kicking him in the head. He is in stable condition. An 18-month-old baby boy was taken to our base at Asadabad and further evacuated to Bagram for treatment. Again, a quick response saved his feet. This week, we accomplished 18 medical evacuations to save lives of Afghan people.

The Gardez PRT purchased over 9000 fruit trees along with flood relief items for villages in Paktia province. The growth of these trees will depend on the governor’s program to get the local children involved in caring for the trees.

In Sharona we conducted a medical assistance visit for the children, treating hundreds of children for worms. The PRT also continues flood relief operations in Tarin Kowt and Lashkar Gah.

At this time, I will take your questions, but ask that you provide your name and media organization first. -30-

SOURCE: United States Central Command NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 April 9, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE