UPDATE: Search ongoing for Special Tactics Airman after training jump

  • Published
  • 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

A Special Tactics Airman departed a C-130 aircraft making an unintentional water landing at approximately 11 a.m., November 5, 2019, over the Gulf of Mexico, south of Hurlburt Field, during a planned static-line jump as part of a training event.  

Emergency response was immediately initiated and multiple units were dispatched to search for the Airman. Rescue teams are currently searching a 700 square mile area off the coast between Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. The search area continues to expand and adjust as efforts continue.

The incident is currently under investigation.

This is a combined effort across federal, Department of Defense, state and local agencies. Units currently participating in the efforts include:

- 24th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field Air Force Base

- 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field Air Force Base

- Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter aircrew

- Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew

- Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew

- Two Coast Guard Station Destin 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crews

- 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base

- U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Group, Duke Field

- U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion, Eglin Air Force Base

- Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office

- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

More details will continue to be released as they become available.  

Any further media questions should be directed to the 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs office at 850-884-3902/8336 or alejandra.fontalvo.1@us.af.mil or rachel.williams.36@us.af.mil.