An HH-60G rescue helicopter assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, had to make a precautionary landing near the base after a windshield wiper motor failed and filled the cockpit with smoke, according to base officials. The incident occurred on Nov. 6 during a routine training mission with six persons on board, states a Nov. 7 Lakenheath release. The pilot followed emergency procedures and landed the helicopter at Santon Downham, an area about five miles east of the base, with no injuries. A maintenance crew responded to the incident and fixed the helicopter within six hours, according to the release. The cause of the motor anomaly is under investigation.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
