A training exercise off the Atlantic coast of Jacksonville, Florida, took a dangerous turn Wednesday when two Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCACs) from the USS Wasp and USS New York collided, injuring 30 sailors and Marines. The incident occurred while the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were conducting a routine training exercise.
30 U.S. Navy Sailors from the USS Wasp (LHD-1) and USS New York (LPD-21) as well as Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were Injured on Wednesday, following an Incident off the Coast of Jacksonville, Florida which involved the Collision of 2 Landing Craft Air Cushions… pic.twitter.com/IttWXbOsI9
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Cmdr. Lara Bollinger, a Navy public information officer, confirmed that both LCACs remained afloat after the collision and have since returned to their respective ships. “The collision remains under investigation,” Bollinger said, adding that more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Of the 30 injured personnel, five sailors required advanced medical care and were airlifted to Savannah Memorial University Medical Center in Southern Georgia. Four of them have been treated and released, while one was transported to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) in stable condition to receive treatment closer to family. The remaining injured sailors and Marines received medical care aboard their ships, with most injuries considered minor and those personnel returning to full duty.
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“Our primary focus is on our Sailor’s health and well-being,” Bollinger emphasized.
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit 24 are currently at sea as part of a composite training unit exercise. LCACs are high-speed, over-the-beach, amphibious landing hovercraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 75 tons, including heavy equipment such as M-1 tanks, to more than 70% of the world’s coastline.
