“We are currently still responding to what we have confirmed as a single helicopter incident. We ask that you continue to be patient with us as the situation unfolds,” Naval Air Facility El Centro said in a Facebook post.

The incident, involving a single helicopter, occurred just north of Plaster City at around 2:35pm local time on Tuesday. The US military quickly dispatched fire and security units along with other helicopters, to conduct a search and rescue operation.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the brave service members and their families affected by this incident,” Kristopher Haugh, public affairs officer for NAF El Centro, was quoted as saying by KYMA local TV station. “We are thankful for the efforts of all who have responded to the scene and provided assistance,” he added, without specifying if any casualties resulted from the incident.

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