Five U.S Service Members killed in a helicopter crash in the Sinai Identified
12 NOV UPDATE
The United States Army announced today the deaths of five soldiers who were part of peacekeeping operations with the Multinational Force and Observers mission.
The soldiers died as a result of a UH-60 helicopter crash, Nov. 12, 2020, in Sinai, Egypt. The incident is under investigation.
The deceased are:
Capt. Seth Vernon Vandekamp, 31, from Katy, Texas.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dallas Gearld Garza, 34, from Fayetteville, North Carolina
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marwan Sameh Ghabour, 27, from Marlborough, Massachusetts
Staff Sgt. Kyle Robert McKee, 35, from Painesville, Ohio
Sgt. Jeremy Cain Sherman, 23, from Watseka, Illinois
In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened by the loss on November 12, 2020, of seven of our uniformed military colleagues from three countries who died in a helicopter crash during a routine mission. This included one Czech, one French, and five U.S. MFO members, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these soldiers at this difficult time. We wish the one U.S. MFO Member who survived the crash a speedy recovery.
A full investigation of the cause of the crash, which appears to be mechanical in nature, has been launched.
We greatly appreciate the cooperation and support of Egypt and Israel.
The incident is a reminder of the sacrifices MFO Members make in support of the cause of peace.
12 NOV During a routine mission in the vicinity of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, nine members of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) were involved in a helicopter crash. We are deeply saddened to report that eight uniformed MFO members were killed; six U.S. citizens, one French, and one Czech. One U.S. MFO Member survived and was medically evacuated. Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The MFO will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. At this point, there is no information to indicate the crash was anything except an accident
@ELINTNews·1m#UPDATE: Israel Defence Forces confirm an IDF helicopter carrying elite search and rescue soldiers from the IAF Unit 669 evacuated an injured American MFO peacekeeper from the helicopter crash in Egypt’s Sinai to an Israeli hospital for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deepest sorrow following the deaths of eight personnel of the Multinational Force and Observers in Sinai in a helicopter crash this afternoon.
Spokesperson of Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement.
The MFO is stationed in Sinai as a result of the peace agreement with Egypt and is highly regarded for its work. Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi: “I send my sincere condolences to the families of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.
The contribution of the Multinational Force and Observers to maintaining security and stability in the region is extremely important, and I would like to express my gratitude to the countries that are contributing to the security and peace between Israel and Egypt.”
The mission of the MFO is to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent any violation of its terms.
Article II of Annex I to the Treaty of Peace establishes four security zones, three in the Sinai in Egypt and one in Israel along the international border. Limitations on military forces and equipment within each zone are stipulated in Annex I to the Treaty according to the MFO.
The troops were in a Blackhawk helicopter on a reconnaissance mission when it crashed near the island of Tiran according to Fox News. Current reports are that the crash was caused by a mechanical error.