Five Sailors were airlifted to Savannah Memorial University Medical Center in Southern Georgia for advanced medical care following a collision between two Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCACs) during a training exercise off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred while the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were conducting a routine exercise, also resulted in injuries to 25 other Sailors and Marines.
30 U.S. Navy Sailors from the USS Wasp (LHD-1) and USS New York (LPD-21) as well as Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were Injured on Wednesday, following an Incident off the Coast of Jacksonville, Florida which involved the Collision of 2 Landing Craft Air Cushions… pic.twitter.com/IttWXbOsI9
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According to Cmdr. Lara Bollinger, a Navy public information officer, four of the five Sailors airlifted to the hospital have been treated and released, while one remains under medical care. The Sailor was reportedly transported in stable condition to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), the military treatment facility closest to their home station in Norfolk, Virginia, to give the Sailor the ability to receive treatment close to their family.
The remaining injured personnel received medical attention aboard the USS Wasp and USS New York after being transported back to the ships by a third LCAC that rendered assistance at the scene of the collision. Most of the injuries were considered minor and those Sailors and Marines have returned to full duty.
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Both LCACs involved in the collision remained afloat and have since returned to their respective ships. The Navy is currently investigating the cause of the collision and the U.S. Second Fleet reportedly plans to provide more information as it becomes available.
“Our primary focus is on our Sailor’s health and well-being,” Bollinger emphasized, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its personnel.
LCACs are high-speed, over-the-beach, amphibious landing hovercraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 75 tons, including heavy equipment such as M-1 tanks, to more than 70 percent of the world’s coastline. The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and Marine
Expeditionary Unit 24 are currently at sea as part of a composite training unit exercise.
