UPDATE: Landing craft, air cushion incident during training | Top stories

NORFOLK, Va. – On the evening of May 1, a collision occurred between two Landing Craft Hovercraft (LCAC) from the USS Wasp (LHD 1) and the USS New York (LPD 21) off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida.

A third LCAC provided immediate assistance and transported all 38 Sailors and Marines to USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21) for evaluation and treatment. As the incident progressed and assistance was provided, additional employees received medical care, increasing the total number of injured to 35 people. Sailors and Marines aboard the Wasp and New York were treated for minor injuries. Five sailors were medically evacuated to Savannah Memorial University Medical Center for further care. Four of the five sailors were released from the hospital after treatment and 34 of the total injured sailors have returned to duty.

After further evaluation, one of the five Sailors treated in Savannah was transported by alert aircraft to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) on May 3 as part of Project Caladrius. This is the closest military treatment facility to the Sailor’s home station in Norfolk, Virginia. The Sailor is in stable condition. Treatment at NMCP allows the Sailor to receive further care and recovery close to his family and support system.

Sailors and Marines from the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were conducting a training exercise when the incident occurred.

The incident is currently under investigation and further information will be provided by U.S. 2nd Fleet as it becomes available.

For inquiries, please contact U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs at [email protected].

If you have any questions about Project Caladrius, contact the Bureau of Medicine Public Affairs at [email protected].