U.S. Forces Rescue Army Apache Crew After Helicopter Loss Near Oman Coast

STRAIT OF HORMUZ — U.S. forces rescued two crew members from a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter that went down near the coast of Oman on June 8 while the aircraft was patrolling regional waters.

The soldiers were recovered within approximately two hours and remain in stable condition. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

CENTCOM stated that rescue efforts were led by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from U.S. Air Force and Navy units including U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59. Multiple U.S. media outlets reported, citing CENTCOM, that the crew was rescued by unmanned surface vessels.

Timeline and Operational Details

The helicopter went down at 7:33 p.m. ET on June 8. CENTCOM reported the loss occurred during a patrol of regional waters off Oman. Both crew members were rescued the same evening.

No official details have been released on the specific circumstances that led to the aircraft going down. The incident involved a standard AH-64 Apache gunship configured for regional patrol operations.

Rescue Operation

The recovery was completed within approximately two hours. Multiple U.S. military branches participated under the lead of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division.

CENTCOM has not released additional operational specifics on the assets or sequence beyond the initial public statement.

Investigation Status

The cause remains under investigation. CENTCOM has issued no determination on mechanical, environmental, or other factors. No official confirmation exists regarding hostile action.

Official Statements

• U.S. Central Command, June 9 public release: “TAMPA, Fla. — At 7:33 p.m. ET on June 8, two crew members from a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache were rescued by American forces after their helicopter went down near the coast of Oman while patrolling regional waters. The Soldiers were safely rescued within approximately two hours and are in stable condition. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Rescue efforts were led by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from U.S. Air Force and Navy units including U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59.”