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09-30-2010, 02:56 PM
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Romeo Helicopter Incident at Lake Tahoe
On September 14, a remarkable incident unfolded above Emerald Bay, witnessed and captured by a tourist using a cellphone camera. The scene featured two Navy MH-60 Romeo helicopters, stationed in San Diego and valued at $33 million each, hovering over the lake before descending below the water's surface for a brief moment. Both helicopters managed to regain altitude and fly away, but the ordeal resulted in what the military classifies as "Class C damage," estimating the cost to be more than $50,000 but less than $500,000. According to reports, the helicopters were returning from a cross-country tour, having previously participated in an air show in Sacramento and en route to Lemoor Naval Air Station for refueling. San Diego-based Naval Air Forces media officer Lt. Aaron Kakiel provided some insight, explaining that the pilots were attempting a "hover" maneuver. Initially, it was unclear whether this incident was part of a training mission or had another purpose. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, keeping the identities of the pilots confidential and refraining from confirming whether the maneuver was intentional or not. Until the investigation concludes, the pilots remain grounded and could potentially face administrative action, including the loss of flying qualifications. A retired Navy pilot, Steve Diamond, offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that there might have been a legitimate reason behind the helicopters' actions. He raised the possibility that the crew was troubleshooting a problem rather than engaging in reckless behavior. Diamond cautioned against hasty judgments and emphasized the existence of other potential explanations. Notably, the helicopter involved in the incident is one of the Navy's cutting-edge aircraft, typically tasked with open ocean missions related to anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare. |