A Marine heavy-lift helicopter made a precautionary emergency landing in a public park in southwest Italy on Tuesday while en route to Naval Air Station Sigonella.
Marines flying a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) landed the aircraft in Castelvetranocq, Sicily, at 4:52 p.m. local time after a possible mechanical problem. There were six Marines on board the aircraft at the time, and there were no injuries reported, said Navy Lt. Shawn Eklund, a spokesman for U.S. 6th Fleet.
The Marines and the aircraft are currently assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is deployed with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. The incident was first reported by Stars and Stripes.
The helicopter was conducting routine operations, and was likely picking up mail or equipment from the naval air station, Eklund said. The aircraft had taken off with a second helicopter from the amphibious transport dock ship Arlington.
"The second helicopter landed with the [precautionary emergency landing] helicopter to provide assistance if needed," he said.
Both aircraft eventually departed the area under their own power and landed safely at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Eklund said.
The cause of the emergency landing is currently under investigation, he said.
About 2,200 Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU are currently in the region to participate in Exercise Trident Juncture, a NATO-led exercise. About 36,000 troops from more than 30 nations are participating in the exercise.
