UK Ministry of Defense Confirms RAF Tornado "engaged" by Patriot
BBSNews - 2003-03-23 -- "On 23 March, an RAF GR4 Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham, which was returning from an
operational mission, was engaged near the Kuwaiti border by a Patriot missile battery. The next of kin have
been informed. An investigation is underway. Further information will be forthcoming when it is available."
Other Defense Ministry News:
At around midnight GMT on 21 March, a US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed south of the Kuwait
border with US and UK personnel aboard; there were no survivors. Eight personnel from 3 Commando Brigade are
believed to have been killed in the accident. At around 0130 GMT on 22 March, two Royal Navy Sea King Mk 7
Airborne Early Warning helicopters collided over the northern Arabian Gulf. There are no survivors from the
six British and one US crew members aboard. The incident was not the result of enemy action. The next of kin
of all these casualties are being informed.
Update from the Royal Navy:
Yesterday, Major Keith Tuppman made the following statement on behalf of 3 Commando Brigade.
‘You will be aware that in the early hours of yesterday morning eight members of 3 Commando Brigade lost their lives on operations in the Gulf. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.
‘3 Commando Brigade is a close-knit, family community and the loss of our colleagues is deeply felt by us all. I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism and dedication.
‘While we have lost good friends and feel a profound sense of sadness at this time, we remain commited to our mission to bring peace and freedom to the people of Iraq.
‘We are very grateful for all the support we have received from the people of Plymouth and surrounding communities. It means a great deal to us all.
‘When appropriate we will be releasing the names and units of those involved.’
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Forces Sweetheart Claire Sweeney prepares for a flight in a GR4 Tornado. RAF Marham. 01/05/2002. Crown Copyright.
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849 AEW SEA KING FROM 849 B FLT.CULDROSE. 04/04/2000. Crown Copyright.
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From the UK Ministry of Defense and the Royal Navy. Updated March 23rd, 2003, 20:35 EST.
Michael Hess is the Editor of BBSNews in Charlotte, NC. Write to the editor here. Not all submissions are published. Or visit the completely new BBSNews Blog and Forum on our front page - Please Participate in BBSNews!
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