Navy destroyer joins search for missing AirAsia jet

2014-12-30T10:00:59-05:00

From: Navy Times

The State Department said Monday that Indonesia has asked the United States for help in locating a missing AirAsia jet, and the Pentagon said it could include detection equipment deployed by air, surface and sub-surface.

The jet carrying 162 people is believed to have crashed into Indonesia's Java Sea. The State Department says no Americans were on board.

The Navy said Monday it is sending a ship to the general search area to support search operations. The Navy's 7th Fleet said it is sending the USS Sampson, a San Diego, California-based destroyer that was already deployed to the western Pacific.

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta received a diplomatic note from Indonesian officials on Monday asking for assistance finding the plane. State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke says the U.S. is identifying how best to help.

The Pentagon's press secretary, Rear Adm. John Kirby, said in a brief statement that while details are being coordinated, the assistance "could include air, surface and sub-surface detection capabilities."

"We stand ready to assist in any way possible," Kirby said.

AirAsia Flight 8501 vanished Sunday morning on its way from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore.

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2014/12/29/indonesia-asks-for-us-help-finding-missing-plane/21017053/

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 10:40 AM

2014-12-30T10:40:04-05:00

Debris and two bodies from the crash were found today:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/30/world/asia/airasia-missing-plane/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Sonar may have detected AirAsia Flight QZ8501 wreckage - CNN.com

In the search for AirAsia Flight QZ8501, six bodies have been found so far, officials say.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 10:45 AM

2014-12-30T10:45:28-05:00

While I don't anticipate any survivors.... recovery and return of the bodies to their families will offer some closure.