Recovery ops for C-2A and sailors

YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Navy has contracted the Research Vessel (RV) Petrel to survey the location of a C-2A Greyhound aircraft that crashed into the Philippine Sea en route to USS Ronald Reagan on Nov. 22. Embarked with Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) personnel, Petrel will depart from the Philippines within days and proceed to the C-2A's location at a depth of 18,500 feet. Salvage experts will deploy a side-scan-sonar and remote operated vehicle to survey and map the ocean floor; and afterwards, SUPSALV will analyze the data and assign an appropriate vessel, equipment, and personnel for recovery efforts. Salvage of an aircraft at that depth is unprecedented. The condition of the C-2A is unknown, but every effort will be made to recover the aircraft and the three fallen sailors from the crash. (Source: U.S. 7th Fleet 01/25/18) Gulf Coast Note: The Navy had identified the three service members as Florida natives Lt. Steven Combs and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso; and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Matthew Chialastri of Baton Rouge, La.